Determinants of Democratic Leadership Style and Employee Performance in Selected Fast Food Companies in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State Nigeria
Abstract
In this quantitative survey research study, a structured questionnaire was designed to investigate the relationship between leadership styles and employee performance within the fast-food industry of Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study employed a convenient sampling technique, gathering data from a sample of 120 respondents. Data collection was carried out through the administration of the questionnaire to employees in selected fast-food companies. The collected data were subsequently analyzed using SPSS version 27, a widely recognized statistical software package. The analysis involved the use of various statistical techniques, including t-tests, to test the hypotheses formulated for the study. One-sample t-tests were employed to assess the significance of relationships between determinants of democratic leadership style and its adoption in fast-food companies, as well as the relationship between democratic leadership style and employee performance. The findings of this study revealed several significant insights. Firstly, it was established that there is a significant relationship between the determinants of democratic leadership style and its adoption in fast-food companies in the study area. Additionally, the study found a statistically significant relationship between democratic leadership style and employee performance within the fast-food industry. In conclusion, this study has provided empirical evidence supporting the positive impact of democratic leadership style on employee performance within the Nigerian fast-food sector. These findings underscore the importance of fostering democratic leadership practices in fast-food companies to enhance employee performance. Based on the results, it is recommended that fast-food companies invest in leadership training programs to promote and cultivate democratic leadership practices among their managers. Furthermore, fostering a culture of inclusivity and open communication is crucial for enhancing employee performance within the industry. By adapting leadership styles to better align with employee needs and expectations, fast-food companies can create a more productive and motivated workforce.
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CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
 Background to the Study
Leadership within the context of organizations is widely recognized as a critical factor that shapes the overall performance and effectiveness of the workforce (Bass, 2018; Northouse, 2019). In today’s dynamic and competitive business environment, the importance of leadership style has garnered increasing attention, particularly in the context of democratic leadership (Bass, 2018; Saleem, 2021). Democratic leadership is characterized by a leader who actively involves employees in decision-making processes, values their input, and fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment (Bass & Riggio, 2018; Deluga, 2020).
The fast-food industry, both in Nigeria and globally, has experienced substantial growth in recent years (Sofi & Devanadhen, 2021). This sector is characterized by a fast-paced and demanding work environment, where employee performance is of utmost importance to ensure customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and profitability (Bass, 2021; Rowe et al., 2021). Given the unique challenges and dynamics of the fast-food industry, understanding the determinants of democratic leadership style and its impact on employee performance within this context is of significant relevance (Bass, 2021; Nwokocha & Iheriohanma, 2021).
Leadership styles are influenced by a multitude of factors, including the personal attributes of leaders, the prevailing organizational culture, and external pressures (Sofia & Devanadhen, 2021; Xenikou, 2017). These factors interact in complex ways and can significantly shape the leadership style adopted by leaders in the fast-food industry in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. Consequently, examining these determinants within the specific context of fast-food companies operating in this region provides an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the leadership practices that drive organizational performance (Bass & Stogdill, 2018; Sekaran, 2021).
Furthermore, the relationship between leadership style and employee performance in the fast-food industry is a critical area of study (Bass & Riggio, 2018; Tummers & Knies, 2020). Employee performance in this sector encompasses various dimensions, including job satisfaction, productivity, and job retention (Katz & Kahn, 2018; Wang, Shieh, & Tang, 2020). Research has consistently shown that leadership styles can significantly influence these aspects of employee performance (Bass & Riggio, 2018; Saleem, 2021). Therefore, investigating how democratic leadership style influences employee performance within the unique context of fast-food companies in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, holds practical implications for organizations striving to enhance operational efficiency and profitability (Sofia & Devanadhen, 2021; Xenikou, 2017).
Consequently, leadership style, particularly democratic leadership, plays a crucial role in shaping employee performance in the fast-food industry. The significance of understanding the determinants of democratic leadership style and its impact on employee performance within fast-food companies operating in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, cannot be overstated. This research focuses on shedding light on the contextual factors that influence leadership practices and their subsequent effects on employee performance, benefiting both practitioners and scholars in the field of leadership and management.
 Statement of Problem
The fast-food industry in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, is a vital sector that contributes to the local economy and provides employment opportunities to a significant portion of the population. However, it faces several challenges related to leadership and employee performance (Sofi & Devanadhen, 2021). One of the primary issues is the varying leadership styles adopted by fast-food company managers. This inconsistency in leadership approach, ranging from autocratic to democratic, raises concerns about its impact on employee performance within these establishments (Bass, 2018).
The problem at hand lies in understanding the determinants of leadership style prevalent in the fast-food industry in this region and how these leadership styles influence employee performance (Bass & Riggio, 2018). There is a lack of comprehensive research that specifically addresses this issue in the local context, which makes it challenging for both fast-food managers and policymakers to implement effective leadership strategies that enhance employee performance and overall organizational success (Katz & Kahn, 2018).
Additionally, the fast-food industry operates in a highly competitive and demanding environment where employee turnover rates are often high (Sofi & Devanadhen, 2021). This exacerbates the problem, as it suggests that employees may not be sufficiently motivated or satisfied with their work, potentially due to leadership issues. Therefore, there is a pressing need to investigate the relationship between leadership style and employee performance to identify potential areas for improvement in this critical sector (Bass & Riggio, 2018).
In summary, the statement of the problem centres on the need to explore the determinants of leadership style and their impact on employee performance in the fast-food industry in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria, to address existing challenges and contribute to the sector’s sustainable growth and development (Sofi & Devanadhen, 2021).
 Objectives of the Study
The study has three specific objectives, which are framed in the past tense to reflect the completed research:
- To identify and analyze the determinants of democratic leadership style in selected fast food companies in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria.
- To examine the relationship between democratic leadership style and employee performance in the fast-food industry within the study area.
- To provide practical recommendations based on the findings to enhance leadership practices and employee performance in fast food companies in the region.
Research Questions
To address the objectives of the study, the following research questions will guide the research:
- What factors determine the adoption of a democratic leadership style in selected fast food companies in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria?
- How does democratic leadership style impact the performance of employees in the fast-food industry within the study area?
- What actionable recommendations can be derived from the study to improve leadership practices and employee performance in fast-food companies in the region?
  Research Hypotheses
The research hypotheses for this study are as follows:
Null Hypotheses(H0):
Alternative Hypotheses(H1):
- There is a significant relationship between the determinants of democratic leadership style and its adoption in fast food companies in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria.
- There is a significant relationship between democratic leadership style and employee performance in the fast-food industry within the study area.
Significance of the Study
The significance of this study extends to students, scholars, and stakeholders in the Nigerian fast-food business, as well as the broader landscape of businesses in Nigeria.
For students, this research offers a valuable educational resource. It provides insights into the practical application of leadership theories and concepts within a specific industry and geographic context. Students pursuing degrees in business, management, or related fields can draw on the findings to enhance their understanding of leadership dynamics and their impact on employee performance in real-world settings. Furthermore, the study’s mixed-methods approach equips students with a diverse set of research skills, including qualitative and quantitative data analysis, which can be valuable for their academic and professional development.
Scholars in Nigeria and beyond can benefit from this research by building upon its findings to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on leadership and employee performance in the fast-food industry. The localized focus of the study provides a foundation for future research endeavours that can explore leadership practices in different Nigerian regions or within other sectors. Additionally, scholars can use this study as a reference point for conducting comparative analyses with international fast-food industries, fostering cross-cultural insights and collaborations.
Stakeholders in the Nigerian fast-food business, including managers, owners, and policymakers, stand to gain practical insights from this study. By understanding the determinants of democratic leadership style and its impact on employee performance, they can make informed decisions regarding leadership practices within their organizations. This knowledge can lead to the development of tailored leadership training programs, ultimately enhancing the quality of management within the fast-food sector. Moreover, the study’s findings may have broader applicability to businesses across Nigeria, helping them improve employee performance and overall organizational effectiveness.
In summary, this study holds significance for students, scholars, and stakeholders alike, offering educational opportunities, avenues for further research, and practical insights that can contribute to the growth and development of the fast-food industry and businesses in Nigeria at large.
Scope of the Study
The scope of this study encompasses an in-depth examination of the determinants of democratic leadership style and its effects on employee performance within the fast-food industry located in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study will focus on a selection of fast-food companies operating in this specific geographic region to provide a localized perspective on leadership practices and their outcomes.
In terms of time frame, the research will span a period of one year to allow for a comprehensive exploration of leadership dynamics and their influence on employee performance. This timeframe will provide an opportunity to observe seasonal variations and potential long-term effects of leadership practices on employee performance.
The study will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Qualitative data will be gathered through interviews and focus group discussions with fast-food managers and employees, allowing for a nuanced understanding of leadership styles and their perceived impact. Quantitative data will be collected through structured surveys distributed to a representative sample of employees to measure key variables related to leadership style and employee performance.
It is important to note that the scope of this study is limited to the fast-food industry in Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. While the findings may offer insights that are relevant to similar industries, generalization to other sectors should be made with caution due to the industry-specific nature of the research focus.
In conclusion, this study’s scope encompasses a detailed exploration of democratic leadership style determinants and their impact on employee performance in the fast-food sector within a specific geographic and temporal context. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods will provide a holistic perspective on the topic, shedding light on localized practices and potential areas for improvement within the fast-food industry in this region.
Operational Definition of Terms
To ensure clarity and consistency in the study, the following key terms are operationally defined:
Democratic Leadership Style: Refers to a leadership approach characterized by the involvement of employees in decision-making processes, valuing their input, and promoting collaboration.
Employee Performance: The extent to which employees meet or exceed the expectations of their job roles, measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as productivity, customer satisfaction, and job engagement.
Determinants: Factors or variables that influence or determine a particular outcome or phenomenon.
Fast Food Companies: Establishments within the fast-food industry that provide quick-service meals to customers, often characterized by a limited menu, fast service, and standardized food preparation methods.
Leadership Practices: The actions, behaviours, and strategies employed by leaders to guide and manage their teams or organizations.
Local Economy: The economic activities and resources within a specific geographical area, in this case, Akoko South West Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria.
ReferencesÂ
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- Khan, S., Asghar, M., & Zaheer, A. (2020). Influence of Leadership Style on Employee Job Satisfaction and Firm Financial Performance: A Study of Banking Sector in Islamabad Pakistan. Actual Problems in Economics, 155, 374-384.
- Klein, A. S., Cooke, R. A., & Wallis, J. (2021). The Impact of Leadership Styles on Organizational Culture and Firm Effectiveness: An Empirical Study. Journal of Management & Organization, 19, 241-254. https://doi.org/10.1017/jmo.2013.34
- Kotter, J. P. (2021). Leading Change: Why Transformation Efforts Fail. Harvard Business Review, 73, 59-67.
- Kotter, J. P., & Heskett, J. L. (2020). Corporate Culture and Performance. New York: Free Press.
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