ROLE OF LEADERSHIP STYLE IN SHAPING EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Leadership style plays a critical role in influencing employee attitudes, behaviors, and overall organizational effectiveness. In contemporary workplaces characterized by rapid change and increased competition, understanding how different leadership approaches impact employee motivation and engagement has become essential. This study aims to examine the relationship between leadership styles particularly transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire and their effects on employee motivation and engagement levels. A quantitative research design was adopted, utilizing structured questionnaires to collect data from employees across diverse industries. Standardized scales were used to measure leadership styles, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and employee engagement. Statistical techniques such as correlation and regression analysis were applied to assess the strength and direction of relationships among variables. The findings indicate that transformational leadership has a significant positive impact on both employee motivation and engagement, fostering higher levels of commitment and performance. Transactional leadership shows moderate influence, primarily through reward-based motivation, while laissez-faire leadership demonstrates a negative or negligible effect on engagement levels. The results highlight the importance of leadership behavior in shaping workplace dynamics. In conclusion, organizations should prioritize transformational leadership practices to enhance employee motivation and engagement, thereby improving overall productivity and retention. The study contributes to leadership and organizational behavior literature and provides practical implications for managerial development and training programs.