The Influence of Leadership Styles on Organizational Commitment in Community Based Organizations in Kenya: A Case of Victory Community Development Centre in Ongata Rongai

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of leadership styles on organizational commitment in Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) with a focus on Victory Community Development Centre (VICODEC). The objective of the study was to identify the leadership style at VICODEC and establish how it had influenced the organizational commitment in the organization. This study used a descriptive research approach and used questionnaires to collect data from fifty-six employees of VICODEC. Data collected was coded and put into the SPSS software version twenty-three for analysis. The research findings indicated a strong relationship between leadership actions and employee attitudes. About 73.2% of the employees trusted the leadership of the organization and this contributed to the high levels of organizational commitment in the organization. A strong correlation of r =0.491 was observed between transformational leadership style and organizational commitment. The organizational commitment was high at a frequency distribution of 75% of the employees showing high levels of commitment. There was evidence of reduced turnover intentions as the research showed 82.2% of the employees had reduced turnover intentions. The study recommends that CBOs should have a clear vision to share with employees so as to inspire passion in them to achieve organizational goals. VICODEC should also make effort and develop strong working teams as strong social ties within the organization influence employees’ organizational commitment. CBO’s should also make deliberate selection of leadership style they employed as this has a direct influence on the organizational commitment.