Applications of Leadership Theories in Nigerian Business Organizations

Abstract

There appears to be much controversies and disputations about the nature, meaning and characteristics of the term “leadership”. Here, controversy turns on the imprecision, variability, ambiguity and contradictions which imbue the construct. Arising from these controversies and disputations, this paper investigated the applications of leadership theories in Nigerian business organizations. The research was guided by one theory and one objective.  Data were collected mainly from secondary source and these were complemented with interviews conducted among some selected staff of the organizations of study. The finding revealed that:  the organizations of study apply path-goal theory in their operations and marketing strategies; the organizations of study apply apply task-oriented leadership model in their operations and marketing strategies; and that the   task-oriented leadership model adopted by the organizations of study results in low job satisfaction, high labour turnover among the employees as well as high job performance. The study recommends an integrative theory of leadership.  This theory states that because of different characteristics of people working in an organization and numerous environmental variables, a leader should adopt a bundle of theories in running an organization.  The type to be adopted at a particular time depends upon the situation.  Besides, leadership seminars and workshops should be conducted from time to time with a view to educating the workers, management and other stakeholders on the proper applications of relevant leadership theories in this 21^st century.

Keywords: Leadership, Integrative, Bundles, Path-Goal theory.