Impact of Leadership Approaches of Managerial Employees on Their Employee Performance: A Study of the Public Sector in the Ampara District, Sri Lanka

Effective leadership is crucial for enhancing employee performance, particularly in the public sector. This study examines the impact of various leadership styles autocratic, democratic, and free reign of managerial employees on their employee performance, focusing specifically on the public sector in the Ampara District, Sri Lanka. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 132 managerial employees through a structured questionnaire and random sampling. The findings indicate a positive correlation between autocratic and democratic leadership styles and employee performance, emphasising their effectiveness in structured, policy-driven environments. Conversely, free-reign leadership showed minimal impact, reflecting challenges in hierarchical public sector institutions. Based on these insights, the study recommends leadership training programmes to balance autocratic and democratic practices, policy reforms to promote participative decision-making, and hybrid mechanisms to integrate structured control with employee engagement. Recognising its limitations, the study suggests future research incorporate broader samples and qualitative approaches for a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics. These findings offer practical strategies to optimise leadership practices and enhance employee performance in public sector settings.