Influence of Autocratic Leadership Style on the Job Performance of Academic Librarians in Benue State

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to determine the influence of autocratic leadership style on the job performance of academic librarians in higher institutions of learning in Benue State of Nigeria. In carrying out this study 3 research questions were posed. The entire population which consisted of all the 87 librarians: this include 9 librarian managers in the 9 higher institutions of learning in Benue State. Two sets of data collection instruments which include: Autocratic leadership style questionnaire {ALSQ) and the Job Performance of Academic Librarians Questionnaire (JPALQ) were used. The major findings of the study showed that the Librarian Managers in Benue State adopted more of democratic leadership style. This is followed by the bureaucratic leadership style then laissez-faire leadership style and lastly autocratic leadership style. Autocratic leadership style does not significantly influence the job performance of academic librarians. The level of performance of the academic librarians was low. Based on the above findings, it was recommended that librarian managers should be supervised and closely monitored by the institutions’ management to ensure that autocratic and laissez-faire ones among them are checked. The institutions’ management should through seminars and workshops encourage the usage of democratic leadership style in the administration of academic libraries in Benue State.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n7p148