Leadership Styles and Employee Engagement in Nigerian Financial Institutions: A Study of Zenith Bank, GT Bank, and Access Bank

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between leadership styles and employee engagement in Nigerian financial institutions, focusing on three major banks—Zenith Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), and Access Bank. The study adopts a quantitative research design using a survey approach with structured Likert-scale questionnaires distributed among employees. Hypothetical data were used to analyze leadership dimensions (transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire) and engagement indicators (vigor, dedication, and absorption). Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses were used to examine the relationships among variables.

Findings reveal that transformational leadership has the strongest positive influence on employee engagement, fostering enthusiasm, creativity, and a sense of belonging among staff. Transactional leadership showed a moderate relationship, promoting compliance and performance through structured rewards. However, laissez-faire leadership had a negative effect, leading to disengagement and reduced motivation. The study concludes that leadership style significantly impacts employee engagement, recommending the adoption of transformational leadership strategies to enhance motivation and productivity across Nigerian financial institutions.