Influence of Leadership Styles in Vocational and Technical Training in SelectedVocational Training Centres in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

The neglect of vocational and technical training is socially injurious as it rubs the nation of the contribution people would make on national development. The objective of this study is to investigate the influence of leadership styles on vocational and technical training in selected vocational training centres in Zaria in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study employed survey research design. The population of the study is 113 entrepreneurs, manager, teachers and trainees in selected vocational and technical training centres. The unit of analysis of this study are 18 entrepreneurs, 12 managers, 33 teachers and 50 trainees in selected vocational and training centres in Zaria. Purposive/judgmental sampling was adopted to select respondents whose opinions are relevant and to make valuable decisions. Thus, 113 samples were arrived at based on value judgement that the respondents are very knowledgeable in the subject matter. The instrument for data collection was closed-ended structured questionnaire. Cronbach alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of instruments used. Data were coded using SPSS version 23.0. The null hypotheses were tested using multiple regression. The findings showed that: transactional, transformational and laissez-faire leadership style have positive significant influence on vocational and technical training in selected vocational training centres in Zaria. The study recommended that the management and other stakeholders of vocational and technical training centres should continue to apply the three leadership styles to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and optimum performance in the centres.