Leadership Styles and Motivation as Correlates of Librarians’ Job Performance in Federal Universities in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated leadership styles and motivation as correlates of librarians’ job performance in Federal Universities in South-South, Nigeria. A total of 122 librarians, comprising all librarians working in different sections of the university libraries in Federal
Universities in South-South, Nigeria, participated in the study. The Librarians’ Job Performance Questionnaire was designed to collect data. The researcher and two research assistants collected the data directly. The researcher distributed 122 copies of the questionnaire to the respondents, and 122 (100%) were retrieved and used for analysis. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) was used to analyse the research questions, and linear regression was used for hypotheses one to three. The findings revealed a moderate positive relationship between leadership styles/behaviours and librarians’ job performance in Federal Universities in South-South, Nigeria. The results also showed a moderate positive relationship between staff motivation and librarians’ job performance. The study also revealed a strong, positive relationship among leadership styles/behaviours, motivation, and librarians’ job performance.
Based on the findings, the researcher recommended that university administrators ensure effective training and resources for library leaders to develop leadership styles/behaviours that motivate librarians and improve their job performance. Library management should also regularly recognise and reward librarians for their contributions to motivate them.