Transformational Leadership and Employee Performance of ACK Diocese of Mt. Kenya Central, Murang’a

Abstract

Organizational outcomes depend substantially on how well employees perform, yet performance is shaped by multiple workplace conditions and can therefore be difficult to sustain. This study investigated transformational leadership and employee performance in the ACK Diocese of Mt. Kenya Central. Its four areas of interest were individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and idealized influence. Interpretation drew on Goal-Setting Theory, Social Exchange Theory, and Transformational Leadership Theory. Descriptive and explanatory designs were combined within a mixed-methods strategy. The workforce population numbered 241 and spanned outreach workers, administrative employees, and clergy; stratified sampling was used to select respondents. Quantitative evidence came from a structured questionnaire. In addition, 10 senior clergy with relevant leadership experience were selected purposively for semi-structured interviews. Both instruments underwent validity and reliability assessment before fieldwork. Interview evidence was interpreted thematically, while questionnaire responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression. Every leadership dimension produced a positive, statistically significant effect. In ascending order, the coefficients were β = 0.182 for individualized consideration, β = 0.235 for intellectual stimulation, β = 0.289 for inspirational motivation, and β = 0.342 for idealized influence. Thus, idealized influence made the largest contribution. Collectively, the dimensions explained 74.3% of performance variance; the model statistics were F = 82.156, R² = 0.743, and p < 0.001. The evidence identifies transformational leadership as an important influence in this faith-based setting. Recommended actions include leadership development, formal mentoring, stronger communication channels, and support for leaders to engage staff with passion, consistency, and receptiveness to innovation.