| Abstract: | The purpose of this research is to investigate the effect of leadership on project success within
Elfora Agro Industries Plc Projects, a prominent agro-industrial company in Ethiopia. The study
aims to identify the existing leadership practices, assess the level of project success, examine the
effect of leadership on project success and investigate the relationship between leadership styles
and project outcomes. This study used descriptive and explanatory research approaches and
utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection
technique. The target population comprised employees of Elfora Agro Industries Plc Projects,
including various departments and levels of management. A random sampling technique was used
to ensure representative samples, determined the sample size by using Yemane (1967), formula
and 96 employees were selected to involve in the research. Both primary and secondary data were
collected, with primary data gathered through structured questionnaires and semi-structured
interviews, and secondary data obtained from organizational reports, project documents, and
relevant literature. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical tools which Spss v-20, while
qualitative data from interviews were analyzed thematically. The major findings indicate that
laissez faire leadership style exists in high rate followed by transformational and transactional
leadership style at Elfora Agro Industries Plc Projects, contributing an average project success.
Additionally, a significant positive relationship was established between transformational
leadership style and project success metrics and finally the analysis suggests that transformational
leadership also have a high positive and significant effect on project success, while the other
leadership like transactional and laissez faire have a minimum positive and significant impact.
The study recommends that Elfora Agro Industries Plc Projects. should implement comprehensive
leadership training programs, monitor leadership styles, and minimize mixed leadership styles
within a single organization for high project success outcomes, and project managers should
establish clear goals and objectives to guide teamwork and improve creative problem-solving. |
