Title: Leadership Trust And Employee Engagement Of Banking Firms In Rivers State
Authors: Efelo, Nwianee, Prof. Edwinah Amah
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 55-64
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
This research looks at the link between leadership trust and employee engagement in selected banking businesses in Rivers State, Nigeria. It focuses on how two characteristics of leadership trust, consistency, and transparency, promote employee behavioral engagement. The study used a quasi-experimental survey research approach using a structured questionnaire to collect data from a sample of 165 workers selected from a population of 285 across seven banks. The sample size was calculated using Taro Yamane's method. The data were analyzed using Spearman Rank-Order Correlation in SPSS version 25.0. The results demonstrated a substantial positive and statistically significant link between both independent factors and employee behavioral engagement. Leadership consistency had a substantial correlation with employee engagement (r = 0.796, p < 0.01), whereas transparency had an even greater link (r = 0.820, p < 0.01). These findings indicate that when workers see their leaders as consistent and honest, they are more likely to be proactive, dedicated, and engaged at work. The research shows that leadership trust is an important driver of employee engagement in Nigeria's banking industry. It suggests that bank executives establish trust by consistent behaviors, open communication, and inclusive decision-making to boost staff morale and organizational commitment.