Influence of Transformational Leadership on Performance of Constituency Development Projects in Nakuru County, Kenya

Abstract

Leaders with transformational mind set their objectives high to change the norm of things by mobilizing their followers and laying a platform of problems and opportunities for improving what is on the ground. They compel their visions through the provision of clear directions to their followers so that they can understand and empathize with the needs of their followers so that it can serve as a source of motivation for achievement of better things. This study aimed at investigating the influence of transformational leadership behavior on performance of CDF projects in Nakuru County, Kenya. The study in particular analyzed how individualized influence, risk taking, motivation and leader’s beliefs influence performance of Constituency Development Fund projects in Nakuru County. The study adopted descriptive research design. Many research carried out in leadership approaches and its effect on performance are general without contextualization of its application in public projects like CDF projects creating a contextual gap that this study hoped to fill. The descriptive research design is efficient in assessing current situation because it makes possible to study self-reported facts about the respondents, their feelings, opinions and attitudes. According to CDF Act (2003), each constituency shall constitute 9 CDF committee members who will run all the affairs of the fund. The target population of study therefore was a census of the 99 CDF committee members in the 11 constituencies in Nakuru County. This study utilized a self-administered structured questionnaire to collect data. Pearson Correlation Coefficient was used to test the relationship between each aspect of transformational leadership behavior and CDF projects performance whereas regression analysis was used to test the combined influence of all the transformation leadership aspects and CDF projects performance and the results were accepted or rejected at an alpha level of 0.05. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21.0 aided in the analysis of data. The information obtained from the respondents was kept confidential and only used for academic purpose. The findings from the study informed policy on Constituency Development Fund and organization on the influence of transformational leadership on performance of Constituency Development Fund projects. It gave empirical information on how transformational leadership of CDF committee at the constituency level influences the project performance which was the main mandate of the committee. The study established that leaders motivational and beliefs competent as components of transformational leadership style greatly influenced CDF project performance in the constituencies in Nakuru County. The study vi recommended enhancement of motivational approaches used by CDF committee members in running the CDF projects by; encouraging citizens on optimism about the future, being enthusiastic on setting the future goals, articulation of compelling future vision and expression of confidence about the achievement of future goals.