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Effective leadership report

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1 CHAPTER ONE (INTRODUCTION) 1.1 Background of the study Chapter one provides a background on effective leadership, various characteristics of effective leadership and its role in actualization of organizational goals and objectives. It also states the research problem, research objectives and research question that the study looks forward to answering, the purpose of the study. Effective leaders lead by example and merely invite other to come along with them. Effective leadership is a key element in the success of an organization and virtually anyone can be a great leader since leaders are made not born. Every organization is led by goals and objectives and among the key resources in achieving them is manpower which only works through motivation and effective leadership. Research can be classified on various bases according to the design methodology used which includes: - case study design method, survey design method, experimental design method, historical design method. The study took they survey design approach since it looked at effective leadership on a broader spectrum and how it affected achievement of the organizational goals and objectives. 1.2 Statement of the problem Along the history and development of the business world in Kenya, various organizations have collapsed with some being put under receivership management, these include:- KCC, KMC, Rivatex, Pan paper mills, Uchumi just to mention but a few. Various reasons were attributed to the collapse of this organizations but whichever the reason it still involved poor and ineffective management in these companies. Other organizations are underperforming as a result of the same reason. The study looked at ineffective leadership as the prime cause of the collapse and underperformance of any organization 1.3 Purpose of the study The purpose of the study was to show how effective leadership is important in organization attainment of goals and objectives. The study also sought to prove that failure of an organization to meet its goals went hand in hand with poor and ineffective leadership. 1.4 Objectives of the study. This study was guided by the following objectives;
Transcript

1

CHAPTER ONE

(INTRODUCTION)

1.1 Background of the study

Chapter one provides a background on effective leadership, various characteristics of effective

leadership and its role in actualization of organizational goals and objectives. It also states the research

problem, research objectives and research question that the study looks forward to answering, the

purpose of the study. Effective leaders lead by example and merely invite other to come along with

them. Effective leadership is a key element in the success of an organization and virtually anyone can

be a great leader since leaders are made not born. Every organization is led by goals and objectives and

among the key resources in achieving them is manpower which only works through motivation and

effective leadership. Research can be classified on various bases according to the design methodology

used which includes: - case study design method, survey design method, experimental design method,

historical design method. The study took they survey design approach since it looked at effective

leadership on a broader spectrum and how it affected achievement of the organizational goals and

objectives.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Along the history and development of the business world in Kenya, various organizations have

collapsed with some being put under receivership management, these include:- KCC, KMC, Rivatex,

Pan paper mills, Uchumi just to mention but a few. Various reasons were attributed to the collapse of

this organizations but whichever the reason it still involved poor and ineffective management in these

companies. Other organizations are underperforming as a result of the same reason. The study looked

at ineffective leadership as the prime cause of the collapse and underperformance of any organization

1.3 Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study was to show how effective leadership is important in organization attainment

of goals and objectives. The study also sought to prove that failure of an organization to meet its goals

went hand in hand with poor and ineffective leadership.

1.4 Objectives of the study.

This study was guided by the following objectives;

2

o To determine what is effective leadership.

o To determine the characteristics of effective leadership.

o To determine the role of effective leadership in implementing change in an organization.

o To determine what is ineffective leadership

o To make a comparison between effective leadership and ineffective leadership.

o To determine the relationship between corporate goals and effective leadership.

o To show the results of both effective and ineffective leadership.

1.5 Research questions.

The study was guided by the following questions;

What is effective leadership?

Who is an effective leader?

What are the characteristics of effective leadership?

What are the effects of effective leadership in the growth and performance of an organization?

What is ineffective leadership?

Who is an ineffective leader?

What are the causes or consequences of ineffective leadership?

1.6 Significance of the study.

The study sought to find ways of improving growth of an organization through effective leadership.

The study also sought to outline the characteristics of an effective leader and their importance to

achieving the goals of an organization.

1.7 Basic assumptions of the study

The study assumed that all companies that fail are as a result of ineffective leadership and without

good leadership an organization will always fail. The study also assumed that all successful

organizations are in that state due to effective leadership only. The study assumed all other possible

causes of organizational failure.

1.8 Limitations of the study

The study was accompanied by various short comings which included;

1.8.1 Time constraint

The study was conducted over a short period of time (one week) which was insufficient to

gather enough information.

3

1.8.2 Availability of funds.

A major part of the research was conducted over the internet and with the high cost of internet

bundles there was limitation of funds.

1.8.3 Limited information resources

Most of the data collected was through secondary sources since no first hand sources were

available within the scope of the research.

1.9 Delimitation of the study.

Due to time shortage the scope of the research was limited to research over the internet and books

from the library. It did not involve any visiting of actual organizations to get firsthand information.

1.10 Definition of terms.

KCC – Kenya Cooperative Creameries.

KMC – Kenya Meat Commission.

Receivership – A situation in which an organization is held by a receiver manager.

Corporate goal – Clear and unambiguous articulation of what needs to be done.

Underperformance – performance below target of expectation.

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CHAPTER TWO

(LITERATURE REVIEW)

2.1 Introduction.

This chapter outlines the various schools of thought on what constitutes effective leadership as

a key in the success and growth of an organization. It also highlights the characteristics of

effective leadership, key elements of effective leadership, poor leadership its characteristics

and consequences, comparison of effective versus ineffective leadership, significance of

effective leadership, and how to measure a good leader.

2.2 Definition of effective leadership.

Globally there is no commonly accepted definition of the term “leader” because leadership is

complex and is studied in different ways that require different definitions. The study however

went by the definition from a book by Christopher F. Achua and Robert N. Lussier (2010),

Effective leadership, LEAP publishing services, New Zealand which defined leadership as

“The influencing process of leaders and followers to achieve organizational objectives through

change”. Therefore effective leadership is facilitation of the process of leadership effectively

and efficiently to the success of an organization. The success of an organization is measured

through its accomplishment of set targets or goals or objectives.

2.3 Characteristics of effective leadership.

Effective leadership maybe looked at from the perspective of an effective leader who has the

following traits.

2.3.1 Dominance

Effective leaders take charge but are not overly bossy nor do they use bullying style of

administration.

2.3.2 High energy

They are optimistic, positive and have high stamina which shapes their decision to lead.

2.3.3 Self confidence

On a continuum from strong to weak they are self-assured in their judgment, decision making,

ideas and capabilities.

2.3.4 Locus of control

They are internalizers and believe that they control their fate and that their behavior directly

affects performance of their organization.

5

2.3.5 Stability

They are emotionally in control of themselves and don’t let their anger have negative

outcomes.

2.3.6 Integrity

They are honest, ethical and trustworthy which is essential in running a successful business.

2.3.7 intelligence (general mental ability)

They have a cognitive ability to think critically solve problems and make decisions.

2.3.8 Flexibility

They have the ability to adjust to different situations.

2.3.9 sensitivity to others

They have an understanding of group members as individuals, what their position on issues are

and how best to communicate with and influence them.

2.4 key elements of effective leadership.

The key elements of effective leadership are;

2.4.1 leaders-followers

The influencing process is between leaders and followers not just leaders influencing

followers. It is a two way street knowing how to lead and developing leadership skills will

make you a better leader and follower.

2.4.2 Influence

Is the process of a leader communicating ideas, gaining acceptance of them and motivating

followers to support and implement the ideas through change.

2.4.3 Organizational objectives

Effective leaders influence followers to think not only of their own interest but also of the

interest of the organization through a shared vision.

2.4.4 People.

Effective leaders and followers enjoy working together with people and helping them succeed,

they are able to get along with people

2.4.5 Change

Influencing and setting objectives is about change. Effective leaders are able to continually

change the organization in adapting to the rapidly changing global environment.

2.5 Poor leadership and its characteristics.

Poor/ineffective leadership is the exact opposite of good/effective leadership. Ineffective

leaders lack the courage to tackle difficult problems, often shifting blame to others.

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Characteristics of poor leadership.

2.5.1 Complacency-Ineffective leaders feel that all the work is done. They do not think that

improvements can or should be made.

2.5.2 Poor Communication- Ineffective leaders make orders and give instructions that are

enigmatic and misguided.

2.5.3 Distrust- lack the proper communication skills to achieve success, they often have

difficulty establishing trust with their followers.

2.5.4 Culpability- Ineffective leaders do not own up to their own mistakes. They feel that

they can commit serious mistakes and either shift the blame to innocent followers or

hide the gravity of their mistakes.

2.6 Effective vs. ineffective leadership.

Effective leadership Ineffective leadership

Effective leaders listen and speak when

necessary

Ineffective leaders talk non stop

Effective leaders are specific about their

objectives

Ineffective leaders speak in circles and often

tangent into side bars which spiral out of context

Effective leaders delegate while still maintaining

authority/control of the overall end product

Ineffective leaders give away authority arbitrarily

Effective leaders respect the expertise and

experience of those around them

Ineffective leaders think they know it all and

micro-manage

Effective leaders energize their team to become

excited about the work ahead

Ineffective leaders kill the energy by exhausting

and overwhelming the team with superfluous

information/duties/tasks.

Effective leaders maximize time Ineffective leaders waste time

2.7 significance/ importance of effective leadership.

Every organization faces challenge that is specific to them that threaten their survival or

obstruct their growth and success. Strategies are worked out to deal with such challenges.

Effective leadership is critical for both setting the right direction and implementing strategies

effectively to drive business or organizations in the right direction. If there are two equally

competent teams, one have an effective leadership and the other lacks effective leadership, the

one that has effective leadership more often comes out as winner over the other. That is the

difference an effective leadership can make in a business / organization. A

business/organization that has effective leadership at all levels is more likely to survive in

times of challenges, sustain its growth momentum, and reach greatness that no one has thought

it could achieve. Different individuals play different key leadership roles at the different levels

of the organization. They all combined together create the leadership synergy that results in

visioning, strategy building, and effective implementations, individually and collectively they

contribute to business /organization survival and success. At the heart of every successful

business/organization are dynamic leaders who inspire, direct, enable, and empower

individuals to do more with less and achieve business/organization objectives.

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2.8 How can effective leadership be measured.

Criteria to measure effectiveness of leaders

2.8.1 Why is it so difficult to measure the effectiveness of leadership in an organization?

According to J.T. Wren (1995) there is no possible way to measure the effectiveness of leadership for

the reason that an individual's leadership style varies from person-to-person and is determined by the

methodology in which he/she handles the situation. Leadership is often measured by an individual's

ability to motivate and influence change within an organization or community. Consequently,

leadership effectiveness is primarily predicated upon a leader's ability to receive adequate results

whether the leader is a positive influence or a negative influence on followers.

2.8.2 What criteria do you use to determine the effectiveness of leaders?

In determining a leader's effectiveness I would assess whether he/she is a transformational or

transactional leader. According to Bass (1990), "transformational leaders inspire employees to exceed

the expected by embracing a vision and striving to achieve that vision. Transformational leaders

demonstrate specific behaviors and actions: attributed charisma, inspirational motivation, intellectual

stimulation, and individualized consideration (Conger, 1999). Attributed charisma occurs when leaders

demonstrate behaviors that engender respect and trust. Leaders who display charisma demonstrate

interest in the well-being of others, stay calm in crisis situations, formulate decisions that benefit the

group as a whole, demonstrate competence, and earn followers' respect" (Bass & Avolio, 1994).

2.9 Chapter summary.

The chapter takes a thorough approach through the concept of effective leadership proves its

importance by focusing on the various attributes that encompass effective leadership and how they

impact an organization however according to various researchers in the past it is quite difficult to

measure effective leadership. According to J.T. Wren (1995) there is no possible way to measure the

effectiveness of leadership for the reason that an individual's leadership style varies from person-to-

person and is determined by the methodology in which he/she handles the situation. Leadership is

often measured by an individual's ability to motivate and influence change within an organization or

community. Consequently, leadership effectiveness is primarily predicated upon a leader's ability to

receive adequate results whether the leader is a positive influence or a negative influence on followers.

8

CHAPTER THREE

(RESEARCH METHODOLOGY)

3.1 Introduction.

This chapter outlines the methodology used to conduct this research. It focuses on the following

topics; research design, target population, sampling method and procedure, data collection method and

instruments.

3.2 Research design.

A descriptive survey design was used in this cross sectional study. The survey design is well suited to

studies in which individual organizations are used as a unit of analysis in order to measure

generalizations (Borg and Gall, 1999). The survey design was best suited for this study because the

data required for analysis was to be collected from a large number of organizations, in which it might

be hard to observe the features of each individual organization. A descriptive research determines and

reports the way things are, and attempt to describe possible behavior, attitude, values and

characteristics of such things.

It was observed that descriptive studies are structured with clearly stated questions to be investigated.

Thus the descriptive design was selected in this study because it would allow the researcher to gather

numerical and descriptive data to assess the relationship between the variables which in this case were

effective leadership and organizational performance. This made it possible to produce statistical

information on how effective leadership affects organizational performance.

The research also included the use of the historical design process where a background was done on

the possible causes of collapse of various organizations in Kenya which included; Rivatex, KCC,

KMC and Pan paper mills. The study showed that the main cause of collapse of these organizations

was poor and ineffective leadership.

Fig 3.1 schematic representation of the research design.

Administration of questionnaires Research from secondary sources of data

Group discussion and brain storming of facts

Capturing of data and research of hypothesis

Testing the reliability of the data in relation to our topic

Discussion of results and Analysis of Data using descriptive

statistics and frequency tables

Preparation of report

9

3.3 Target population.

The target population was 20, which mainly focused on the leadership fraternity of Mount Kenya

university at large. Due to the limited time provided, the research was only conducted within the

university which mainly sought information from secondary sources such as; the internet, text books,

previous reports by different authors but no actual corporate organizations were visited.

The whole target population was not met; however the study conducted interviews to 7 leaders in

various capacities such as student leaders, class representatives and departmental representatives.

These leaders gave various opinions on their understanding of effective leadership and its effect on an

organization.

3.4 sampling size and procedure.

The study sample target was about 20 but with the time available 7 were selected. The study

employed the simple random type of sampling where the samples were selected in such a manner that

all the individuals in the sample space had an equal chance of being drawn. This eliminated the

possibility of biasness in obtaining the representative sample(s).

The table below shows a comparison of the number targeted against the number realized;

Table 3.1

Department Target number Number realized

Sports 2 5

Academics 3 5

Accommodation 1 5

Finance 1 5

3.5 Methods of data collection.

Questionnaires and interviews were used for collecting information from the various leaders that were

interviewed. The questionnaires had structured open and closed ended questions. The open ended

questionnaires were used to collect qualitative data while the close ended ones were used to get

quantitative data. The questionnaires were divided into three sections. The first section of the

questionnaires sought to ask personal information about the respondents and their roles in leadership.

The Second sought information on their opinion about how effective leadership affects organizational

and institutional performance.

The variables in the questionnaires were mainly developed based on the themes in the literature review

section and research objectives. The researcher collected the questionnaires after two days from date of

issue in order to give enough time to the respondents to fill them.

Additional data was obtained from research in the library and also from the internet.

10

3.6 Data Collection Procedure

The researcher collected both primary and secondary data for purpose of making conclusion and

recommendations. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires, structured

interview guide and observation method. The questionnaires were administered to the respondents

directly by the researcher because most businesses in the study area were in close proximity to

each other.

The interviews were also conducted by the researcher personally at a time and place convenient to

the respondents. The observation was carried out at the same day when the questionnaires were

administered to the respondents at their place of work or business premises. The secondary data

was collected from Business text books, economic surveys, reports, journals and periodicals.

3.6 Data Analysis

This began with pre-processing of collected data through editing to detect errors and omissions

and making of corrections where possible. This involved a careful analysis of the completed

questionnaires in order to ensure that collected data was accurate and consistent with other

information gathered. The collected data was coded by the researcher for efficiency in order to

reduce the replies given by the respondents to a small number of classes. After the coding was

completed, the data was classified on the basis of common characteristics and attributes. The data

was then prepared for the presentation on various charts and graphs to make the data easy to read,

analyze and make conclusions. The raw data was difficult to make conclusive inferences so

representation in various statistical diagrams made it easy for both the reader and the researcher to

make conclusions.

11

CHAPTER FOUR.

DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS.

4.1 Introduction

The chapter represents the data analysis, presentation, and interpretation of findings on the data

collected from the various sources. The study sampled 7 leaders out of the target 20, the data was

interpreted as per the research questions and analysis was done through descriptive and inferential

statistics. The findings were presented in form of tables and graphs.

4.2 Questionnaire return rate

Out of the 10 questionnaires issued to the various leaders 7 were returned giving a 70% return rate

4.3 Composition of respondents by gender and age

The composition of respondents by gender and age was represented in the table below.

Table 4.1

Gender

Age Male Percentage Female Percentage Total Percentage

18-21 1 20 0 0 1 20

23-26 1 20 0 0 1 20

27-30 1 40 1 50 3 90

31-35 1 40 1 50 2 70

Pie Chart 4.1: shows relationship between the ages of respondents and their percentage response.

Percentage

18-21

23-26

27-30

31-35

Age

12

line graph 4.1: comparing male and female respondents in percentage

4.4 Composition by level of education

Table 4.2: showing frequency of respondents and level of education

Level of education Frequency Percentage

None 0 0 Primary

0 0 Secondary 2 28.57142857 Tertiary

2 28.57142857 University

3 42.85714286

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

1 2 3 4

Percentage Percentage

PER

CEN

TAG

E

GENDER

FEMALE MALE

13

Graph 4.2.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

none Primary Secondary Tertially/Technical

University

clustered column showing percentage number of sampled individuals for each level of

education

percentage

level of education

pe

rce

nta

ge

14

CHAPTER FIVE

(SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, DISCUSSION, CONCLUSION AND

RECOMMENDATION)

5.1. Introduction

This chapter presents summary of the findings, discussion, conclusions reached and recommendations

following the objectives of the study. The study has shown that Effective leadership has played a key

role in the success of various organizations. The study has On the other hand shown that ineffective

leadership is the major cause of failure and underperformance of various organizations. The study

sought to find the role of effective leadership in success of an organization, various characteristics of

an effective leader, the study also sought to find out the key differences between an effective leader

and an ineffective leader, causes and results of ineffective leadership, the study was guided by a

number of objectives namely; to determine what is effective leadership, to determine the

characteristics of effective leadership, to determine the role of effective leadership in implementing

change in an organization, to determine what is ineffective leadership, to make a comparison between

effective and ineffective leadership the chapter also answers the various questions that were on the first

chapter which included; what is effective leadership? Who is an effective leader? What are the

characteristics of effective leadership? What are the effects of effective leadership in the growth and

perfomance of an organization? What is ineffective leadership? Who is an ineffective leader? What are

the causes or consequences of ineffective leadership?

5.2 Summary of findings

The study sought to achieve various objectives which were accomplished successfully. The table

below shows a summary of the findings of the study compared with the various objectives of the

study.

Table 5.1 Comparison of objectives and a summary of findings

OBJECTIVES SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

To determine what is effective leadership The term effective leader encompasses the traits of a leader and the skills of efficiency.

To determine the characteristics of effective

leadership. honesty, ability to delegate, excellent communication, sense of Humor, confidence, commitment, dominance, high energy, stability, integrity, intelligence, flexibility, sensitivity to others.

To determine the role of effective leadership in

implementing change in an organization. Every organization faces challenge that is specific to them that threaten their growth and success. Strategies are worked out to deal with such challenges. Effective leadership is critical for both setting the right direction and implementing strategies effectively to drive

15

business or organizations in the right direction.

To determine what is ineffective leadership The term ineffective leadership revolves around

lack of traits of a leader, and lack of skills of

efficiency.

To make a comparison between effective leadership and ineffective leadership

An ineffective leader was found to possess the

negative traits of a leader.

To determine the relationship between corporate

goals and effective leadership

Leadership is responsible for setting all

strategic, tactical and operational goals of an

organization. With the right leadership the goals

set are clear and achievable.

To show the results of both effective and

ineffective leadership

Effective leadership leads to success and growth

of the organization, on the other hand

ineffective leadership causes failure and under

performance of an organization.

5.3 Discussion of findings.

This section of the chapter was guided by the research questions of chapter one.

5.3.1 What is effective leadership?

Effective Leadership is about the process of influence. How leadership influences others and brings diverse people together to do purposeful things. This brings out three concerns, what is the influence for, how the influence happens and what is the experience of people who are part of such influence? Leadership Effectiveness must result in enabling and empowering the team of people to do what they ought to do. Effective Leadership is not about coercive and manipulative tactics that force people to act according to the wishes of the one who influences. Effective leadership accomplishes common goals but also helps people to connect with their immense potentials and enable them to accomplish purposeful things collectively that give the individual contributors sense of personal accomplishment and fulfillment. That's when business and organizations have the power of people working for and with others in an organization, rather than organizations trying hard to find ways to get what they want from people.

5.3.2 Who is an effective leader?

As a leader, you already know how to identify each of your team member’s strongest skills and assets.

Because you don’t expect each person on the team to excel in every area, you also know that it’s

important to create a diverse group of people who balance and complement one another. Similarly,

leaders have their own unique skills and specializations.

An effective leader contains two components - the traits of a leader and the skills of efficiency.

Therefore there is a notable difference between a leader and an effective leader. To be a leader requires

a strong personality and the ability to read people. An effective leader, however, combines these

qualities along with smart business practices as well as intelligent crafting of infrastructure to

successfully accomplish the goals and objectives of an organization.

16

5.3.3 What are the characteristics of effective leadership?

An effective leader often possess the following key traits;

5.3.3.1 Focused

Though as leaders they are pulled in different directions simultaneously they always retain a clear

mind and focus on things that matter.

5.3.3.2 Passionate.

Effective leaders are very enthusiastic of what they do and their level of commitment inspires their

team members and motivates them to do even better work.

5.3.3.3 Assertive

Effective leaders are firm and bold and unafraid to go after what they want. They always go for what

they want.

5.3.3.4 Decisive

Effective leaders carefully weigh the potential effects of each option and chooses the opportunity that

works best for their team.

5.3.3.5 Empowering

Effective leaders are supportive of their team members and they give people the authority they need to

do their jobs well and show them an appropriate level of respect.

5.3.3.6 Confident

Effective leaders are confident in their own abilities and decisions. They believe in themselves and

their abilities.

5.3.3.7 Communicative

Effective leaders always keep their teams informed about what is going on. Lack of communication

leads to spread of false information.

5.3.3.8 Self aware

They consider their strengths and weaknesses as objectively as possible and are not afraid to ask for

feedback about their performance from their team members.

5.3.3.9 Humble

Effective leaders are down to earth and easy to relate with.

5.3.3.10 Honest

Effective leaders are upfront with their team members and trust them to communicate openly and

authentically together. They are sincere with what they communicate or say to their team members.

5.3.4 What is the role of effective leadership in the growth and performance of an organization?

Effective leadership plays an important role in growth and performance of an organization. Effective

leaders have the right traits that can drive an organization to higher heights. These roles are listed as

follows;

1. Team motivation – with a good leader who understands their team mates or juniors everyone

is motivated to work hard. This motivation translates to great organizational performance since

people work with zeal.

17

2. Proper decision making - with effective leadership good decisions are made by the leadership

which leads to success and growth of the organization.

3. Proper communication – with good communication of procedures and policy errors are

minimized and everything goes as planned which reduces time wastage trying to correct

mistakes.

4. Clear targets – effective leadership is focused on the right targets and are not carried away here

and there. With focus the rest of the team remains clear on what is important at that moment.

5. Great strategies - Effective leadership is critical for both setting the right direction and implementing strategies effectively to drive business or organizations in the right direction.

5.3.5 What is ineffective leadership and Who is an ineffective leader?

Ineffective leadership possesses traits that are opposite of the effective leadership. These

characteristics often lead the company to failure and underperformance. This is because ineffective

leadership reduces employee motivation and discourages growth and performance of an organization

as a result of poor and ineffective leaders. An ineffective leader is one that has the following attributes

which are the negative opposite of what an effective leader possesses.an ineffective leader is;

Unhonest.

Poor in delegating duties.

Poor in communication.

Not confident in what they say or do.

Not committed to their work.

Bossy and pushes people around disrespectfully.

Not motivated.

Unstable in their decision making.

Not intelligent.

Not flexible.

Not sensitive to others.

5.3.6 What are the causes or consequences of ineffective leadership?

The study took consideration of ineffective leadership in two main capacities namely what causes it?

And what are its consequences to an organization.

5.3.6.1 What causes ineffective leadership?

1. Lack of support – lack of support from those you lead. A leader cannot lead in a vacuum nor can

they lead without support from their juniors. When leaders are not supported they are

overburdened and fall under this weight leading to failure.

2.Leadership personality – once a leader lacks the image that people expect of them people will

often abandon the leader which will lead to their failure which also impacts the organization.

3. Indecisiveness – when a leader cannot make proper decisions people will not follow the leader

thus he will be left in his own bubble. This leads to lack of teamwork which will fail an

organization.

4. Poor education – without proper education a leader won’t possess the right skills to lead an

organization thus they can’t make strategic or tactical decisions.

5. Corruption in recruitment - when the right personnel are not selected during recruitment due to

racism, tribalism or nepotism this leads to ineffective leadership

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5.3.6.2 Consequences of ineffective leadership.

The study found out the following results/consequences of ineffective leadership.

a) Low morale of employees leading to their underperformance.

b) Underperformance of an organization.

c) Collapse of an organization.

d) Bad public perception which may lead to investors withdrawing their investments.

e) Resigning of employees who seek prospects on different companies for fear of organization

collapsing.

5.4 Recommendation.

The study showed that leadership is the most important part of an organization. Effective leadership

drives an organization high up the ladder of success which is measured by accomplishment of

objectives. When goals are met an organization is considered successful but when goals are not met

the organization is a failure. With this in mind the study came with the following recommendations.

1. Recruitment and selection in an organization should be transparent and fair to ensure the right

personnel are chosen for the right jobs.

2. Leadership in an organization should undergo regular training on interpersonal and

relationship skills to ensure they relate well with their teams for effective performance of the

organization.

3. Regular survey and audit of leadership should be conducted in an organization to ensure

performance of leaders in the organization is satisfactory.

5.5 Conclusion

Effective leadership is a core component in successfully running an organization. With effective

leadership the company will reap from its great fruits of success. On the other hand ineffective

leadership causes failure or underperformance of an organization. Therefore for organizational growth

and performance effective leadership is a must.

19

REFERENCES.

Christopher F. Achua and Robert N. Lussier (2010), Effective leadership, LEAP publishing services,

New Zealand

http://www.leadershipandinfluenceblog.com/10-traits-of-effective-leaders/

http://www.personal.psu.edu/kmr5279/blogs/pla/2011/09/effective-leadership-definition-of.html

http://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyaprive/2012/12/19/top-10-qualities-that-make-a-great-leader/

http://brainmass.com/business/other/321200

http://www.leadpeople.com/featured-story/how-to-measure-leadership-steve-jobs/

http://timmilburn.com/8-ways-to-measure-your-leadership-effectiveness

http://faculty.london.edu/nsivanathan/PoorLeadership.pdf

http://spie.org/Documents/Students/Leadership-Benjamyn_Lockwood.pdf

http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/blogs/sudhakarprabu/blog-sudhakar-i-prabu/importance-leadership-

effectiveness

http://thestrategyguysite.com/strategic-business-planning/current-1-cause-of-organizational-failure-

managing-in-the-cloud/

Lecturer’s class notes – research methodology

20

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1: LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL

5DBM students,

Mount Kenya university

P.o Box 2020,

Thika

Dear Respondent,

We are a group of five students from mount Kenya university pursuing a Diploma in business

management. We are conducting an academic research on effective leadership as a tool for achieving

organizational goals. This questionnaire has been prepared to obtain information on effective

leadership based in your individual experience or personal opinion.

Please note that all the information provided for this study will be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Your ability to answer all the questions comprehensively and to the best of your knowledge will be

highly appreciated.

Thank you for your co-operation and precious time.

Yours faithfully,

5DBM-mount Kenya university

E-mail:[email protected]

21

APPENDIX 2: QUESTIONNAIRE FOR EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP.

Instructions

Please tick in the appropriate box and also fill in the blank spaces provided for those

Questions where elaborate answers are required. You are requested to complete this

Questionnaire as honestly and objectively as possible. Use the space at the back of this

Questionnaire if you need more space for your responses.

Profile of respondent

i) Age;

18-21 years 23-26 years

27-30 years 31-35 years

ii) What is your Gender?

Male Female

iii) What is your marital status?

Single Married Divorced

iv) Level of education attained

None Technical and Vocational

Primary University

Secondary

v) Rate effective leadership as a tool for business growth and success. On a scale of 1-5

1(most important) 4(important)

2(very important) 5(not important)

3(quite important)

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APPENDIX 3: IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW GUIDE FOR RESEARCH ON EFFECTIVE

LEADERSHIP.

Please tell me your name, designation and your role in the organization.

Effective leadership

1. What is leadership?

2. In your opinion what is effective leadership?

3. Who do you term as an effective leader?

Ineffective leadership

4. In your opinion when is leadership considered ineffective?

5. Please name any three possible traits of an ineffective leader.

Role and results of effective leadership

6. What measures would you propose to improve leadership in an organization?

7. What do you think is the relationship between corporate goals and leadership in your

organization?

8. Do you think effective leadership is the most important way of bringing positive change to an

organization?

9. What do you think are the possible results of effective leadership in an organization?

10. What do you think are the possible results of ineffective leadership in an organization?


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