IMPACT OF TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP STYLE ON LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TANZANIA

Abstract

The world has undergone new developments in recent years which made present economic conditions extremely unpredictable and there are downside risks. A complete economy recovery and prosperity needs government commitment to local transformational leadership style as an important input to promote the country economy particularly business enhancement. However, challenges have been observed in the implementation of Transformational Leadership style which hinders economic development and prosperity in local government authorities in Tanzania. The general objective of the study was to examine he impact of transformational leadership style on local economic development in Nyamagana District, Mwanza region. More specifically, the study found out the effects of transformational leadership style on local economic development in Nyamagana District, identified challenges facing the implementation of Transformational Leadership style in Nyamagana District and explored the views of key stakeholders on how to address challenges experienced by transformational leaders in Nyamagana district. The study was conducted in Nyamagana district, an explanatory study design and a qualitative research approach were used in this study. The study population were 28 leaders in Mwanza region that were selected using a purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The interview guide was used to collect data and content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data to decode their meaning. Results from this study reveals three (3) major effects of transformational leadership style in local economic development namely; improvement of productivity in business and agriculture, improved social wellbeing and enhancement of accountability and good governance. The challenges facing implementation of transformational leadership style were political interference in development issues, insufficient funds, low level of education and poor community participation and support. Lastly, strategies that were recommended for addressing challenges facing implementation of transformational leadership style include; enhancing autonomy, provision of training and capacity building programmes to leaders, sufficient allocation of funds for implementing various district plans and community mobilization on participating in various developmental strategies in the district.