Styles of Leadership and Service Delivery in Kogi State, Nigeria: A Case Study of Ankpa Local Government

Abstract

Leadership contributes significantly in service delivery. The major objective of this study was to determine the effects of leadership styles on service delivery in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. The Survey design was used. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population for this study was made up of 230 respondents. The proportionate sampling technique was used to draw sample for this study. A total of 230 questionnaire were distributed but 190 were returned. Chronbach’s Alpha at 0.889 was used to test for internal consistency and validity of the instrument. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data collected. While Kendall's tau-b (?_b) was used to test the null hypotheses. The study found that autocratic and laissez-faire leadership styles exist in Ankpa Local Government. The study also found that democratic style though desirable, is not prevalent in the Local Government to a large extent. The study recommended amongst others that, Ankpa Local government should evolve an all-inclusive and participatory style that is based on merit and anchored on equity, fair play and justice.