Examining the Effects of Leadership Style on Organizational Performance: A Case Study of Chongwe District Council

This study examines the effects of leadership styles on organizational performance, with a focus on the Chongwe District Council. It investigates how leadership influences policy implementation, decision-making, and employee motivation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study collected data from 50 respondents through structured questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Excel and Stata, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The findings highlight that democratic and transformational leadership styles are the most prevalent at Chongwe District Council. Democratic leadership fosters inclusive decision-making, resulting in enhanced policy implementation and service delivery. Meanwhile, transformational leadership significantly boosts employee motivation and productivity, with 74% of respondents associating it with high organizational performance. However, challenges were noted, including inconsistent communication, cited by 25% of participants, and dissatisfaction with feedback mechanisms by 24%. The study concludes that while leadership styles such as democratic and transformational have a positive impact on organizational performance, there is a need to improve communication consistency and feedback systems. Recommendations include the establishment of formal communication channels, implementation of structured feedback mechanisms, and development of leadership training programs to enhance effectiveness. By providing insights into leadership's role in organizational success, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of how leadership styles influence public sector performance, particularly within the Zambian context. The findings serve as a resource for policymakers and administrators aiming to optimize leadership practices and improve public service delivery outcomes.