DOES THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP STYLES AND DEMOGRAPHIC VARIABLES AS DETERMINANTS OF CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AMONG UYO LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Abstract

This study examined the predictive roles of leadership styles and demographic variables on career advancement among local government employees in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and standardized instruments on leadership styles and career advancement were administered to local government employees. Data were analyzed using multiple regression and Pearson Product Moment Correlation.Results revealed that demographic variables (age, gender, marital status, and educational qualification) jointly and significantly predicted career advancement, accounting for 11.8% of the variance. Gender and educational qualification emerged as the strongest independent predictors (β = 1.21, t = 3.42, p < 0.05; β = 0.68, t = 2.97, p < 0.05), while religion and years of service did not independently contribute. Furthermore, leadership styles were found to have a significant positive relationship with career advancement (r = 0.34, p < 0.01), indicating that employees under democratic and transformational leaders reported higher access to promotions, training, and professional growth. Additional findings showed that demographic variables also significantly predicted leadership styles adopted by managers (F (5, 368) = 9.24, p < 0.05), with age and gender serving as the best predictors.The study concludes that both leadership styles and demographic characteristics play significant roles in shaping career advancement within local government administration. It is recommended that managers adopt inclusive leadership approaches and that policies be developed to reduce demographic disparities in order to ensure fairness, equity, and sustainable employee development.

Keywords: Leadership styles, Demographic variables, Career advancement, Local government employees, Uyo Metropolis