1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
The productivity of secretaries is critical to the efficient functioning of organizations, as they handle administrative tasks that support management and ensure smooth operations. Over the years, the focus on how leadership styles influence employee productivity has gained attention in organizational studies. Leadership is a key determinant of employee motivation, job satisfaction, and performance, and this extends to secretaries who are essential in coordinating office activities. According to Yukl (2013), leadership involves guiding and directing people toward the achievement of organizational objectives. In this context, the leadership style adopted by managers can have a profound effect on how secretaries carry out their responsibilities.
Leadership styles such as transformational, transactional, autocratic, and democratic have varying implications on secretarial productivity. Transformational leadership, which emphasizes motivation, inspiration, and the development of subordinates, has been linked to higher levels of job satisfaction and performance (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Conversely, transactional leadership, which is based on clear goals, rewards, and penalties, is effective in enhancing performance through structured guidance, but it may also limit creativity and initiative (Burns, 1978). Autocratic leadership, characterized by strict control and centralized decision-making, can either drive efficiency or lead to reduced morale if secretaries feel micromanaged (Cherry, 2020). On the other hand, democratic leadership, which involves shared decision-making and participative management, fosters a sense of belonging and ownership, potentially enhancing productivity (Robbins & Judge, 2019).
The evolving nature of administrative roles and the increasing expectations placed on secretaries highlight the importance of understanding how leadership styles influence their performance. As secretaries are tasked with managing information flow, scheduling, communication, and supporting managerial decisions, their effectiveness largely depends on the leadership approach they are subjected to (Northouse, 2018). Therefore, studying the effects of managers’ leadership styles on secretaries’ productivity is vital for identifying the leadership practices that best align with enhancing performance in administrative functions. This research aims to provide insights that can help organizations adopt leadership strategies that optimize secretarial productivity and contribute to overall organizational success.
Leadership style refers to the approach and manner in which a manager directs, motivates, and influences employees to achieve organizational goals. Common styles include transformational, transactional, and autocratic leadership (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Leadership plays a crucial role in influencing the productivity and efficiency of employees within an organization. The leadership style adopted by managers can either motivate or hinder the performance of their subordinates, including secretaries who play an essential role in administrative functions.
According to Northouse (2018), leadership is defined as a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. Secretaries, being at the core of organizational operations, often rely on the direction, support, and decision-making style of their managers to enhance their productivity. A manager’s leadership style whether transformational, transactional, autocratic, or democratic significantly impacts how secretaries perform their duties and respond to workplace challenges (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the effects of managers leadership style on secretaries productivity.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the productivity of secretaries in any organization is a key determinant of overall operational efficiency, yet it is often influenced by the leadership style exhibited by managers. Managers who fail to adopt appropriate leadership styles may negatively impact the motivation, job satisfaction, and performance of secretaries, leading to inefficiencies in daily administrative functions.
Northouse (2018) noted that the way leaders interact with their subordinates directly affects their level of commitment and productivity. In many organizations, secretaries struggle with unclear expectations, lack of support, and inadequate feedback from managers who either micromanage or fail to provide necessary guidance. These challenges are often exacerbated by leadership styles that do not align with the unique needs of administrative roles, which require both autonomy and structured support.
Furthermore, the one-size-fits-all approach to leadership fails to recognize the varying demands and competencies of secretarial positions. Transformational leadership styles may inspire some secretaries but could overwhelm others if applied without consideration for individual capabilities (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Conversely, autocratic leadership might streamline processes but stifle creativity and reduce morale if secretaries feel overly controlled (Cherry, 2020). The inconsistency in leadership approaches, coupled with a lack of awareness about how different styles impact secretarial productivity, raises concerns about how organizations can effectively enhance performance in these critical roles. It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by investigating the effects of managers leadership style on secretaries productivity.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of managers leadership style on secretaries productivity using Abeokuta North Local Government Area as case study. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To determine the relationship between transformational, transactional, and autocratic leadership styles and secretarial performance.
- To assess how different leadership styles influence the productivity and job satisfaction of secretaries.
- To identify the predominant leadership styles used by managers in organizations.
- To explore the challenges secretaries face under various leadership styles.
- To provide recommendations on the best leadership practices that enhance secretarial productivity in organizations.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the predominant leadership styles employed by managers in organizations?
- How do different leadership styles affect the productivity of secretaries?
- What impact does transformational, transactional, and autocratic leadership styles have on secretarial job satisfaction and performance?
- What specific challenges do secretaries encounter under various leadership styles?
- How can organizations adjust leadership practices to improve the productivity of secretaries?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H01: Secretaries who work under transformational managers will exhibit higher levels of productivity compared to those working under other leadership styles due to increased motivation and job satisfaction.
- H02: Secretaries under autocratic managers will show lower levels of productivity and job satisfaction due to reduced autonomy and increased job-related stress.
- H03: Secretaries working under transactional managers will demonstrate higher productivity in terms of task efficiency and adherence to procedures, but may have lower job satisfaction compared to those under transformational leadership.
1.6 Significance of Study
Understanding the effects of managers' leadership styles on secretaries' productivity will help organizations identify which leadership approaches are most effective in enhancing administrative performance. This insight will enable managers to tailor their leadership styles to better support and motivate secretaries, ultimately improving their productivity and job satisfaction. Also, organizations will benefit from increased efficiency and smoother operations as a result of optimized secretarial performance.
Additionally, the findings will inform training and development programs for managers, helping them adopt leadership strategies that align with the needs of their administrative staff. Furthermore, the study will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of leadership dynamics, which will be valuable for both academic research and practical applications in organizational management.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the effects of managers leadership style on secretaries productivity using Abeokuta North Local Government Area as case study.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Insufficient data was available due to the limited number of organizations willing to participate and provide comprehensive feedback on their leadership styles and secretarial productivity.
- Frequent power failures interrupted data collection and analysis processes, affecting the consistency and reliability of the results.
- Delays from respondents in completing surveys and interviews hindered timely data gathering, which impacted the overall efficiency of the research.
- Financial constraints restricted the scope of the study, limiting the number of organizations and participants included.
- Time constraints also affected the depth of the analysis, as the study had to be conducted within a constrained timeframe, potentially influencing the comprehensiveness of the findings.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Productivity:
Productivity in this context refers to the efficiency with which secretaries complete their tasks and contribute to organizational objectives. It is often measured by output relative to input, including the completion of administrative duties, accuracy, and timeliness (Robbins & Judge, 2019).
Secretaries:
Secretaries are administrative professionals responsible for managing office tasks such as scheduling, correspondence, and record-keeping. They play a critical role in supporting managers and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations within an organization (Northouse, 2018).
Job Satisfaction:
Job satisfaction is the level of contentment employees feel regarding their work and work environment. It encompasses aspects such as work conditions, recognition, and the alignment of job roles with personal values and expectations (Locke, 1976).
Transformational Leadership:
Transformational leadership is a style where leaders inspire and engage employees by focusing on vision, enthusiasm, and the development of their potential. This style aims to foster innovation and commitment beyond mere compliance (Bass & Avolio, 1994).
Transactional Leadership:
Transactional leadership is characterized by a focus on routine, established procedures, and reward-based performance. It involves setting clear goals and using rewards and punishments to manage employee performance (Burns, 1978).
Autocratic Leadership:
Autocratic leadership involves centralized decision-making with minimal input from subordinates. Leaders make decisions independently and expect subordinates to follow instructions without input (Cherry, 2020).
Leadership Style:
Leadership style refers to the approach and manner in which a manager directs, motivates, and influences employees to achieve organizational goals. Common styles include transformational, transactional, and autocratic leadership. Transformational leadership involves inspiring and motivating employees to exceed expectations (Bass & Riggio, 2006), while transactional leadership focuses on clear structures and reward-based performance (Burns, 1978). Autocratic leadership is characterized by centralized decision-making and strict control over subordinates (Cherry, 2020).
