The Influence of leadership styles on succession planning among private telecommunication firms in Nairobi County, Kenya
Date
2022
Authors
Njiru, Grace Wangui
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Strathmore University
Abstract
The successful transition of leadership from one generation to the next has become a significant milestone that an organization must achieve to ensure its longevity and competitive advantage. Firms that have been successful in this endeavor have earned a strong reputation in their industry, and those that have failed serve as examples of what not to do during the succession planning process. Ineffective leadership styles have hampered the successful implementation of succession planning programs. High staff turnover, political instability, and rapid technological advancements are other contributing factors. The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of leadership styles on succession planning in private telecommunication firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The specific objectives of this study were to determine the influence of transactional leadership style, transformational leadership style, and laissez-faire leadership style on succession planning among private telecommunication firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. The Full Range of Leadership Theory and the Kirkpatrick Model guided the study. This study's population comprised 56 private telecommunications firms, specifically Network Facilities Provider Tier 3 firms operating in Nairobi County, Kenya. The study used a census method thus all the fifty-six firms were included in the study. However, the purposive sampling technique used two respondents in each firm, resulting in a sample size of 112 respondents. Primary data was collected using questionnaires which were distributed either physically or online. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and multiple regression analysis. Tables and figures were used for data presentation and interpretation. The findings revealed a positive and strong correlation between leadership styles (independent variables) and succession planning (dependent variable). The transactional leadership style had the greatest influence on succession planning followed by the transformational leadership style while the laissez-faire leadership style had the least influence on succession planning. Overall, the study found a connection between transactional, transformational, and laissez-faire leadership styles and succession planning in private telecommunications firms in Nairobi County, Kenya. According to the research findings, leaders in the private telecommunications firms in Nairobi County, Kenya should adopt leadership styles that lead to an effective succession planning program in their firms. This will ensure the smooth transition of businesses from one generation to the next. The study was limited by time, availability, and accessibility constraints, particularly on the respondents' side because the majority worked from home, opting for an online administered questionnaire. The study also recommended that additional research be conducted on other companies in the sector to generalize the findings.
Description
A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment for the award of a Master of Commerce Degree at Strathmore University
Keywords
Transactional leadership style, Transformational leadership style, Laissez-faire leadership style, Succession planning