THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP STYLES ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AND MOTIVATION

Abstract

Leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping employee behavior, performance, and overall workplace motivation. This study investigates how different leadership styles—namely transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire—affect employee performance and motivation levels in organizational settings. By analyzing various empirical studies and theoretical frameworks, the research highlights that transformational leadership significantly enhances employee engagement, creativity, and job satisfaction. In contrast, transactional leadership shows effectiveness in structured environments through reward-based performance, while laissez-faire leadership often results in ambiguity and reduced accountability. The findings suggest that the choice of leadership style must align with organizational goals and employee needs to optimize productivity and morale. This study provides valuable insights for managers and human resource professionals aiming to foster a motivated and high-performing workforce.