Understanding Leadership Styles and Improved Staff Performance in the Nigerian Legislature: A Perspective of the Delta State House of Assembly

The relationship between leadership style and employees performance has gradually been established among scholars in the area of human resources management. A good leadership style provides the environment for job satisfaction among employees in an organization. This study examined the impact of leadership and leadership style on employees’ performance in Delta State House of Assembly. The study adopted the historical method. The relevant qualitative data were supported with data from Focus Group Discussions (FGD) organized to arrive at a balanced conclusion. Three (3) research questions were raised and answered using review and discussion techniques. The analysis centred on literature and discussions on leadership theories /styles and forces that determine their applicability. The study revealed, among other things, a relationship between leadership style and employee performance in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA). It also revealed that the type of the style being adopted among the leaders in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA) is as a result of the complex authority structure, mode of leadership recruitment, among others. The study recommends among others, a clearly defined authority structure of the leadership, recruitment through merit and constant training of leaders as well as appointments into leadership positions without the influence of the Executive (the Governor). This is the only way good leaders will emerge, that can understand the forces around the work environment and thus, determine the best style to be adopted; that will influence employees for improved performance in the Delta State House of Assembly (DTHA).