EFFECT OF LEADERSHIP STYLE ON EMPLOYEE JOB SATISFACTION IN FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURING FIRMS IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of leadership styles on employee job satisfaction in food and beverage manufacturing firms in South-East Nigeria. The specific objectives were to examine the effects of democratic leadership style on employee salaries, evaluate the extent of autocratic leadership style on employee promotions, and determine the effect of laissez-faire leadership style on job security in these firms. The study focused on four manufacturing firms: Envoy Oil Industry in Onitsha, Anambra State; San-Savannah Oil in Akpuoka, Enugu; Kitchen Vegetable Oil in Aba, Abia State; and Camela Vegetable in Owerri, Imo State. These firms were chosen purposefully for their certification by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), and Consumer Protective Council (CPC), and for their adherence to high ethical standards. The study covered the period from 2012 to 2022 and employed a survey approach. Out of a population of 645 staff, a sample size of 242 was selected using Freund and William's formula for determining an adequate sample size. Out of the 242 staff sampled, 240 accurately filled and returned the questionnaires, resulting in a 99 percent response rate. The validity of the instrument was assessed through content analysis, showing good results. The reliability was measured using the Pearson correlation coefficient (r), which yielded a good reliability coefficient of 0.89. Data were analyzed using mean scores (3.0 and above indicated agreement, below 3.0 indicated disagreement) and standard deviation using the Sprint Likert Scale. Hypotheses were analyzed using the Z-statistic tool. The findings indicated that democratic leadership style had a positive effect on employee salaries in manufacturing firms in South-East Nigeria (F(95, n = 240) = 12.867, p < 0.05). Similarly, autocratic leadership style significantly influenced employee promotions in these firms (F(95, n = 240) = 15.873, p < 0.05), while laissez-faire leadership style had a significant effect on job security in the manufacturing firms in South-East Nigeria. In conclusion, the study revealed that leadership has a direct cause and effect relationship on organizations and their success. Leadership style plays a crucial role in determining values, culture, change tolerance, and employee motivation. As a recommendation, the study suggests that leaders in these organizations should adopt a more people-oriented approach, recognizing that the best results are achieved when subordinates are given a sense of direction and belonging.