The role of leadership styles on employee performance in internet service business in Uganda; A study of Infocom Limited.

Abstract

The study investigated the role of leadership styles on employee performance, a case study of Infocom Limited in Kampala. The study objectives were; to examine the role of autocratic leadership style on employee performance, to find out the role of democratic leadership style on employee performance and to establish the role of laissez faire leadership style on employee performance in Infocom Limited. In Infocom, there is lack of appropriate communication and consultation channels, clear strategies and vision stated, commitment, effective office planning and decision making for heads of departments on how fiber cables should be laid this led to high client churn rate reports, the rate of labour turnover reports, customer care reports showing numerous customer complaints, targets are not met on time and sometimes delays in resolving technical network issues. The findings indicates that the majority 65.0% were male, 58.3% had worked for a period of 2-4 years, 593.3% were permanent employees. It was revealed that autocratic leadership style affects employee performance with the majority 53.78% agreed that the managers were controlling, authoritative when communicating to employees. Over 66.49% respondents agreed that the manager involve them in decision making and encourages them for training and less than 50% of the respondents agreed that the managers were not present when need to handle agent issues and would leave an employee independently carry out duty. It is therefore recommended that Infocom leaders should practice democratic leadership style so as to allow employees work effectively, efficiently and just on time. This is done through joint decision making, consultation, coaching staff and open communication channels in schools. Furthermore Infocom leaders and managers should avoid self decision making, authority control and closed communication channels at work to improve employee’s performance. In conclusion, the role of leadership styles in an organization has significant influence on the quality of employee performance. Autocratic, Democratic and Laissez Faire Leadership Styles are appropriates styles when applies effectively in the organisation.