Influence of Leadership Styles on the Performance of University Libraries in Kenya

Abstract

This study used the convergent parallel mixed-methods design to explore the influence of leadership styles on the performance of University Libraries in Kenya. The study used a multi-stage sampling technique to draw respondents from 12 public and private university libraries. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a questionnaire and key informant interviews, respectively. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data was analysed using Atlas.ti. The study revealed that most university head librarians used democratic and transformational leadership styles. The study concludes that some leadership styles influenced libraries’ performance. Particularly, bureaucratic and laissez-faire leadership styles affect library performance negatively. The study recommends that universities and libraries fund programs that help aspiring and working university librarians to strengthen their leadership skills to be able to apply appropriate leadership styles in their contexts.