The role of leadership styles on team performance at selected construction sites in Cape Town

Abstract

This study focuses on the types of leadership styles that motivate project teams’ performance in the construction industry. The study was based on six leadership styles namely: Coaching, Coercive, Authoritative, Affiliative, Democratic and Pacesetting leadership style. The research was positioned within the quantitative research method and data was collected from 140 respondents by means of a questionnaire consisting of open and closed ended questions. Probability sampling was employed in the selection of the respondents to complete the questionnaires. The data collected was analysed using Microsoft Excel and presented in a form of diagrams, bars and pie charts. The finding revealed that out of the six (6) leadership styles used by managers and leaders, only two were appropriate to motivate project teams’ members which are: authoritative and coaching leadership style. The results also indicated the type of behaviours leaders and managers should display in order to motivate team members to perform. Supportive, directive, communicating and motivating were perceived to be the type of behaviours that motivate team embers to perform. This research suggests that leaders and managers apply leadership styles that are perceived to improve or maintain project teams ‘performance and to increase to overall productivity of a project.