Local Leadership Styles and Community Development: A Study of the Irasa Community of Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Abstract

The assertion that the leadership style exhibited by the community leaders influenced the participations of community members in development activities was examined in this study using Irasa community in Ado-Ekiti as a case study. An instrument tagged ‘Questionnaire for Community Members’ was used for this study. The instrument was administered on thirty randomly selected respondents in the community. Information obtained revealed that respondents believed that community development involved setting up of goals which are done jointly through the involvement of all stake holders. Participation in Community Development Projects was not regarded as mandatory hence offenders were not liable to punishment. Also, the in-flow and out-flow of information were not restricted by the leaders and their directives were not strictly complied with. The leaders respected and protected the self esteems of the subjects. The leaders recognized the subjects’ worth and esteems, based their actions on trust, integrity, honesty, equality, openness and mutual respects. All these were features of democratic or participative leadership style. In conclusion, this study revealed that democratic leadership practised in the study area lends credence to the assertion that when good leadership is provided the people participate voluntarily in the accomplishment of stated objectives.