Thesis (MBA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Business Administration

Having bad leadership in an organization is associated with poor performance since the views and opinions of the well-doing staff would not be championed by a lousy leader. Ethical leadership is one of the effective leadership styles that leads to higher organizational performance. The study aimed to explore the mediating role of employee motivation in the relationship between ethical leadership and organizational performance in Nigeria. Using the simple random sampling technique, the study collected data from 258 employees working at 10 departments of Dangote Cement Plc. The SPSS and AMOS software were the statistical tools employed to analyze the collected data. The reliability of the data was assessed using Composite reliability and Cronbach alpha, and the validity was assessed using discriminant and convergent approaches. The study discovered that ethical leadership has a positive and significant impact on organizational performance and employee motivation. It was found that employee motivation has a positive and significant relationship with organizational performance. The investigation revealed a partial mediation relationship of employee motivation between ethical leadership and organizational performance. Fostering employee engagement in decision-making processes and facilitating transparent communication can bolster motivation. Managers should establish venues that allow employees to express their thoughts, concerns, and criticism, thus promoting a more inclusive and actively involved workforce. Ensuring a healthy work-life balance is essential for sustaining elevated levels of motivation.