Democratic and Autocratic Leadership Styles and Staff Productivity in Federal University Libraries in South-South, Nigeria

Abstract

Leadership is an essential factor for the progress of any organisation. It has gained the attention of researchers worldwide. It be perceived to have an overarching impact on the achievement of organizational objectives, policies, programmes and strategic plans. The leadership style adopted by the leader is of great significance to the overall growth and productivity of staff. This study seeks to determine the relationship between Autocratic and Democratic leadership style and staff productivity in University Libraries in South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria. The population of the study consist of 358 library staff that are working in Federal University libraries in South-South, Nigeria in the 2025/2026 Academic session. A purposive sampling technique was used and data collection instrument was a structured questionnaire. Data obtained was analysed using PPMC. The findings of the study revealed that democratic leadership style promotes and increases staff productivity in Federal University libraries in South-South, Nigeria. The findings also revealed that librarian autocratic leadership style has a weak significant relationship with staff productivity. The study concluded that democratic leadership style adopted by librarians motivates staff to put in their best to achieve set goals in Federal universities in South-South Nigeria, while autocratic leadership style adopted decreases staff productivity.