Role of Leadership Style in Project Success a Case Study of Development Projects

Abstract

The success of development projects largely depends on effective leadership, yet many projects worldwide continue to fail, resulting in significant financial and operational losses. Leadership style plays a critical role in influencing project outcomes by shaping team performance, resource utilization, and stakeholder satisfaction. Despite the extensive global literature on leadership and project management, there is limited empirical evidence from Somaliland, particularly in Hargeisa, where development projects are increasingly implemented. This study seeks to critically examine the role of leadership style in the success of development projects in Hargeisa. A descriptive research design was adopted, targeting a population of 80 respondents, including program managers, project managers, project officers, administration officers, and finance officers. Using Slovene’s formula, a purposive sample of 63 participants was selected. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires, complemented by secondary sources such as books, reports, and published studies. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied in data analysis, with the aid of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings from this study are expected to provide insights into the understanding of leadership in project management, identify the most effective leadership styles for project success, highlight essential leadership skills, and explore key challenges in managing development projects in Hargeisa. The research contributes to filling the literature gap in the local context, while offering practical recommendations for policymakers, project managers, and development organizations to improve leadership practices and enhance project success rates.