An Evaluation of the Impact of Transformational Leadership on Employee Performance: A Case Study of SURYA Group of Companies

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between transformational leadership and employee performance with special reference to dimensions like motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational performance at the Surya Group of Companies. Despite a significant body of literature examining diverse approaches to leadership in general, few studies have focused particularly on transformational leadership's effect on employee performance in a Zambian organizational context. This study aimed to fill this gap through examining those precise dimensions of transformational leadership that help to improve employee motivation, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment. The research objectives included determining the different leadership styles adopted by the organization and their impact on employee performance and assessing employees' attitudes towards transformational leadership. The research utilized a mix of both quantitative and qualitative methods of collecting information. The basic random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 100 employees while 10 supervisors and managers were purposively selected to be interviewed to gain a more in-depth understanding of the organization's practice of leadership. The collection of data was done using closed-ended questionnaires administered to Surya Group staff while semi structured interviews were used to collect information from key informants. Descriptive and inferential statistics through the utilization of SPSS were used to analyze the quantitative information while qualitative information was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that transformational leadership was seen as the most desirable leadership style, having a positive impact on employee motivation, creativity, and teamwork. Key attributes such as individualized consideration, inspirational motivation, and intellectual stimulation significantly played a role in improving employee performance. Employees showed a strong inclination toward transformational leadership due to its ability to foster innovation, teamwork, and commitment. This study adds to literature through emphasizing transformational leadership's role in building inclusive and high-performance organizational culture in Zambia. The findings indicate that it is important that Surya Group invest in leadership development programs to build transformational leaders. It was recommended that continuous training be undertaken by leaders, that employee feedback mechanisms be instituted, and that innovation-oriented programs be initiated to boost leadership efficacy and organizational performance.