Impact of Transformational and Transactional Leadership Styles on Employee Performance: A Study of Ministry of Women’s Affairs in the Northern Province, Sri Lanka

Abstract

leadership styles on employees' job performance in the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Northern Province, Sri Lanka. The study was conducted with a survey research strategy in a cross-sectional time horizon. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires. A sample of 97 employees working at the departments coming under the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Northern Province and a convenient sampling method was used to draw the sample. The leadership styles were measured using the Multi-Factor Leadership Questionnaire, while employee performance was assessed using the Work Performance Scale, to suit the study's context. Regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses. Results indicated that transformational leadership has a positive impact on employee performance, while the effect of transactional leadership on employee performance is not significant. The findings suggest that public sector organisations should consider adopting an appropriate leadership style, recognising that employees are the most valuable assets, and their performance is closely linked to leadership style.