ASSESSING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP STYLES AND EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION IN THE TANZANIAN PUBLIC SECTOR

Abstract

This research study aims to explore the relationship between leadership styles and job satisfaction in the Tanzania public sector. Leadership has long been a subject of interest among scholars, who have sought to understand its effectiveness and the best approaches to leading people. Although various theories and perspectives on leadership have emerged, a universally accepted definition remains elusive. However, it is widely agreed that leadership involves the influence a leader has on their followers in achieving common goals. Furthermore, the choice of leadership styles within an organization significantly impacts the attainment of organizational goals and objectives. Effective leadership styles have been found to influence employee job satisfaction, stress levels, commitment, and productivity.

This study emphasizes the importance of positive relationships between leaders and their employees in achieving organizational success and recognition. Poor performance in many organizations has been attributed to ineffective leadership styles chosen by managers. Employees who are dissatisfied with their jobs are more likely to leave, leading to reduced productivity and efficiency. Therefore, selecting the appropriate leadership style is crucial for increasing job satisfaction among employees.

The Tanzania public sector has undergone several reforms aimed at improving public service delivery. To ensure the sector meets citizens' expectations, it is vital to enhance job satisfaction among public servants, as it directly impacts their performance and the overall organizational performance. Unfortunately, job satisfaction levels among staff in the Tanzania public sector have been consistently low and unsatisfactory, resulting in a high turnover rate. Therefore, this study seeks to uncover the relationship between leadership styles and job satisfaction within the context of the Tanzania public sector.

By examining this relationship, the findings of this study will provide insights and recommendations to enhance leadership practices and improve job satisfaction in the Tanzania public sector. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on leadership and its