The effects of leadership styles on organisational growth: the case of Valley View University (VVU)

ABSTRACT The topic was the effects of leadership styles on organisational growth in the administration of tertiary institutions and Valley View University (VVU) was the case. The objectives that guided the study were to determine the kind of leadership styles being adopted by the leadership of VVU; to investigate the factors that determine the adoption of leadership styles by the leadership; to investigate growth trend of VVU from 1987 to 2011 in terms, of students’ enrolment/graduation; faculty and staff strength; infrastructural development; academic programmes/courses offered with respect to the diplomats being awarded; and strategic business units and alliances of VVU; and to investigate the effects of leadership styles on the growth of organizations in VVU. The study aimed at how private universities could be effectively managed to ensure growth, taking a critical look at the leadership style on the strategic management processes. The study was carried out at Oyibi Campus. Hence the result will not be generalized but its findings would be placed in the relevant context of the individual’s University studied. The study delved into a historical background and theories of leadership as rooted in business and industry. It also focuses on the recent approaches to leadership, educational leadership, steps to ensuring organizational growth and the relationship between leadership styles and organizational growth. The survey design was adopted for the research. The simple and systematic random sampling techniques were used in attaining the sample size of 210 respondents, all inclusive. The major findings of the study were as follows: the administrators at the various levels of the tertiary institutions adopt a mixed forms of leadership styles – democratic, autocratic, lessez-faire, parternalistic, jod-centered, employee-centered, participative, integrated and general leadership styles respectively, according to the situation and the task at hand. However, there appears to be lack of specific leadership style that is ascribed to every leader. The emotional, relational and business factors were found to be the factors that influenced the adoption of leadership styles due to their sensitive nature. It was also ascertained that VVU has consistently witnessed a strong growth trend over the years. Finally, the results indicated that the growth experienced by VVU could be attributed to the leadership styles of management. The study therefore revealed that VVU adopted a general and integrated leadership styles in their operations, consequently, the leadership styles and the growth of VVU have positive correlation. It is recommended that, the existing leadership styles such as integrated and general leadership styles should be maintained. There is also the need to establish of organizational durbars and workshops to create a formal platform for management and employees to share ideas for managing the affairs of VVU; institute training programmes for top managers to equip them with the requisite human resource management and leadership skills; establish clear communication structures to constantly inform employees of the vision and broad objectives of the organization and the role they are required to play towards its achievement; and strengthen the establishment of corporate alliances with other institutions to equip management of industry practice. These would enhance further advancement.

Source: KNUST