The Impact of Leadership on the Governance of Infrastructure Development in Nigeria
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Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2015 The mpI act of Leadership on the Governance of Infrastructure Development in Nigeria Michael Oziegbe Onolememen Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Public Administration Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Michael Onolememen has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Robert Levasseur, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Jason Lum, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Cassandra Caldwell, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2015 Abstract The Impact of Leadership on the Governance of Infrastructure Development in Nigeria By Michael O. Onolememen MS, University of Lagos, 1991 MS, University of Nigeria, 1988 BS, Bendel State University, 1985 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2015 Abstract Research literature has documented Nigeria’s leadership crisis since its independence from Great Britain in 1960. This crisis corresponds with political instability and infrastructure weaknesses, which have resulted in crime, corruption, poverty, lack of social cohesion and personal freedoms, environmental degradation, gender inequities, and deteriorating conditions of public works. No literature was located that addressed the impact of leadership on the governance and development of infrastructure in Nigeria. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate this phenomenon in Nigeria between 1960 and 2010. The theoretical framework comprised Burns’ and Bass’ theories of transformational leadership, and Davis’ and Toikka’s theories of transformation and transition in governance. Data were collected through personal interviews with a purposeful sample of 13 past presidents of Nigeria, public officials, and infrastructure development experts, and by reviewing secondary data on leadership and development in Nigeria during the period 1960-2010. Data were analyzed using the constant comparative method to identify patterns and themes. Findings showed that (a) political instability and the Nigerian civil war have been obstacles to infrastructure development and implementation; (b) military dictatorships implemented improvements, although they neglected rural areas; (c) a new national infrastructure plan must be funded, developed, and implemented; (d) corruption must be combatted in awarding project contracts; and (e) Nigeria’s governance should be based on a pragmatic-visionary form of leadership. The implications for positive social change include informing policy makers about the importance of infrastructure development in Nigeria in order to improve economic growth and the lives of citizens. The Impact of Leadership on the Governance of Infrastructure Development in Nigeria By Michael O. Onolememen MS, University of Lagos, 1991 MS, University of Nigeria, 1988 BS, Bendel State University, 1985 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Public Policy and Administration Walden University August 2015 Dedication This study is dedicated to the loving memory of my father, Elder Augustine Ezehiwele Onolememen, who motivated me to pursue my doctoral degree by his continued reminder that nothing but the best was expected of me in the doctoral program. I also dedicate this study to my loving wife, Bibian, and my children, Osose, Osemudiamen, Odalo, and Ehiremen, for their support and understanding throughout the program. Acknowledgments I wish to acknowledge the uncommon support received from the chair of my dissertation committee, Dr. Robert Levasseur, who mentored me throughout my doctoral program at Walden University. I cannot thank you enough for making each step of my doctoral journey at Walden University memorable. I acknowledge the support of my dissertation committee member, Dr. Jason Lum, Jenny Sherer of the office of research ethics and compliance, and indeed members of the institution review board. I wish to particularly acknowledge the selfless support I enjoyed throughout my doctoral program from my wife, Bibian, my children, Osose, Osemudiamen, Odalo, and Ehiremen. Many thanks go to my mother, Mrs. Comfort Onolememen, for her ceaseless prayers for my success. Table of Contents Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background ....................................................................................................................1 Problem Statement .........................................................................................................7 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................9 Research Questions ......................................................................................................10 Purpose of the Study ....................................................................................................10 Conceptual Framework ................................................................................................11 Research Design...........................................................................................................13 Definition of Terms......................................................................................................14 Assumptions, Limitations, Scope, and Delimitations ..................................................15 Assumptions .......................................................................................................... 15 Limitations ............................................................................................................ 16 Scope and Delimitations ....................................................................................... 17 Significance of the Study .............................................................................................17 Summary ......................................................................................................................18 Transition Statement ....................................................................................................19 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................20 Introduction ..................................................................................................................20 Leadership and Leaders Defined .................................................................................20 Concepts and Theories of Leadership ..........................................................................22 Trait Theory .......................................................................................................... 22 Situational Theory ................................................................................................. 24 i Contingency Theory.............................................................................................. 26 Transactional Theory ............................................................................................ 28 Transformational Theory ...................................................................................... 29 Leadership Styles .........................................................................................................33 Concepts and Theories of Governance ........................................................................37 Reflexive Theory .................................................................................................. 40 Deliberative Theory .............................................................................................. 40 Argumentative Theory .......................................................................................... 40 Network Theory .................................................................................................... 40 Transformation and Transition Theories .............................................................. 40 Political History of Nigeria ..........................................................................................41 Civilian Political Leadership Era .......................................................................... 43 Military Dictatorship Era ...................................................................................... 52 Reforms in Nigeria .......................................................................................................56 Economic Reforms................................................................................................ 56 Administrative