EFFECT OF LEADERSHIP COMPETENCY ON EMPLOYEE’S PERFORMANCE OF INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC), ONDO STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigates the effect of leadership competency on employee performance within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State. Recognizing that effective leadership is critical to organizational success, the research specifically examines how leadership skills, communication competency, and emotional intelligence influence employee productivity, engagement, and job satisfaction. The study adopts a descriptive survey design using structured questionnaires administered to a sample of 82 staff members across various departments of INEC. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools were employed to analyze the data. The findings reveal that leadership competency significantly impacts employee performance, with poor communication, lack of motivation, and ineffective leadership practices identified as major challenges hindering optimal performance. The study also found that while most employees acknowledge the presence of leadership involvement, dissatisfaction with salary and lack of delegation remain critical issues. The research concludes that improving leadership competencies through enhanced communication, emotional intelligence, and supportive management practices can foster higher employee performance. Recommendations were made for leadership development initiatives, fair promotion practices, and improved motivational strategies to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction within INEC Ondo State.