Abstract

The leadership styles impact decision-making, communication, participation and performance and determine the level of effectiveness in community organizations in the social sector. This study examined leadership styles as determinants of community organization effectiveness in Epe Local Government area of Lagos State. This study adopted the descriptive survey and correlational research method. The population sample consisted of 127 participants from 19 community organizations selected through purposive sampling technique. Data was analysed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient (PPMC). The study established positive low significant relationship between the impact of democratic leadership style and decision making on effectiveness of community organization (r=0.227, p<0.05). The study revealed positive low significant relationship between the impact of autocratic leadership style and communication on effectiveness of community organization (r=0.180, p<0.05). The study showed positive low significant relationship between the impact of bureaucratic leadership style and participation on effectiveness of community organization (r=0.310, p<0.05). The study also indicated positive low insignificant relationship between the impact of laissez-faire leadership style and performance on effectiveness of community organization (r=0.010, p>0.05). It was concluded that all leadership styles except Laissez-faire had significant impact on the effectiveness of community organization. The study, therefore, recommends that policy makers should reinforce institutional framework of leadership in community organization through leadership development, leadership education, followership education, women empowerment and community organization empowerment.