LEADERSHIP BEHAVIOURS OF FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC ADMINISTRATORS AND THE PERFORMANCE OF CORE MANDATES OF SELECTED FEDERAL POLYTECHNICS IN THE SOUTH EAST GEOPOLITICAL ZONE OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined leadership behaviours employed by Polytechnic Administrators and their impact on the performance of the core mandates of selected Federal Polytechnics in the South East Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. The study employed a quantitative approach, descriptive survey design. Adopting the multi-stage sampling technique, 363 respondents were used in the study. The Taro Yamane formula was used to arrive at the sample size for the study. Four Polytechnics out of five established in the South East Zone of Nigeria were studied. 363 questionnaires were distributed but only 60% of them representing 218 copies were duly completed and returned. Simple percentages and tables were used to analyze the data collected. Pearson’s product moment correlation and statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20 were used for analysis and test of hypotheses. The study revealed that task-oriented leadership behaviour was more prevalent among Federal Polytechnic administrators in the South East Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. Oddly enough, it was also discovered that task-oriented leadership behaviour made significant though not optimal contributions to the performance of core mandates of the polytechnics. The study recommended the adoption of employee or relationship-oriented leadership styles, by the administrators to better position the polytechnics for optimal realization of their core mandates.