Effects of leadership on project performance: a case of in-house projects of total Kenya limited

This study sought to assess how leadership-related factors such as emotional intelligence, project leader motivation, leadership power and influence, leadership competence and project leader team work affect project performance. Total Kenya Limited like other oil marketers has faced leadership challenges in the undertakings of its projects. As a result of poor leadership the company continues to face drastic uncontrollable market factors such as ultra-modern and expansive retail network by its competitors, entry of other oil companies in the non-fuel business projects, inadequate fuel storage capacity due to increased demand, use of modern fuel dispensing facilities by other oil marketers, government price control measures among others that necessitate strong leadership skills for ultimate performance of the company. The aim of this study was to illustrate how emotional intelligence, leader power and influence, project team work, team leader motivation and competence influenced the performance of projects in Total Kenya. The study involved use of descriptive research design. A sample of 85 employees was drawn from a target population of 170 employees in the operations and project development department using stratified random sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect data where each respondent filled and submitted a structured questionnaire that was given to them. The findings were analyzed and presented by way of charts, frequency, mean, regression analysis, graphs and tables. The results were then to be used to improve project efficiency and develop good leadership plans of managing projects in the oil industry. The findings of the study revealed that project leaders in Total Kenya; are not emotionally intelligent and competent, do not embrace teamwork spirit among their members, lacks teamwork motivation and do not use their power and influence properly. However, further study should be carried out on multiple projects in other oil companies to provide a more insight on the effect of leadership on project performance.