EFFECT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AMONG RETAIL SUPERMARKETS IN ONGATA RONGAI TOWN, KAJIADO COUNTY, KENYA
Abstract
Purpose of Study: The study examined the effect of transformational leadership on employee performance among retail supermarkets in Ongata Rongai town, Kajiado County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to determine the effect of intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, idealized influence, and individualized consideration on employee performance.
Problem Statement: In Kenya, supermarkets face increasing operational pressures due to high staff turnover, low motivation, and inconsistent service delivery. Employee productivity in mid-sized retail outlets in Kenya continue to decline drastically, primarily due to inadequate staff engagement, poor leadership, and absence of clear performance indicators. These performance gaps directly affect customer satisfaction, profitability, and operational efficiency in retail supermarkets.
Methodology: Descriptive research design was used and target population was 380 employees from which a sample of 195 respondents were determined using the Yamane’s (1967) formula. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data and Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 26 used to analyze descriptive and inferential statistics.
Result: The study found that inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence, and individualized consideration had a significant positive effect on employee performance among retail supermarkets in Ongata Rongai town, Kajiado County, Kenya.
Conclusion: The study concluded that transformational leadership has a statistical significant effect on employee performance among retail supermarkets in Ongata Rongai town, Kajiado County, Kenya.
Recommendation: The study recommends for the implementation of mentorship and coaching programs targeted at developing leadership skills of supermarket employees to be change makers and for continued growth and development of the retail supermarkets in Ongata Rongai town, Kajiado County, and entire country, Kenya.
Keywords: Transformational leadership, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence, individualized consideration, competitive advantage.
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