The Roles of Political and Organizational Leadership in the Decision-Making Process in Dynamic Business Environments in Nigeria: Evidence from Port Management, Shipping Companies and Port Terminals

Abstract

This study examines the roles of political and organizational leadership in decision-making process in dynamic business environments in Nigeria, evidence of leadership in port management , shipping companies and port terminals. The essence is to investigate the in-built characteristics in a leader and leadership models and their impact on the decision-making process in dynamic business environments. Leadership is inextricably tied to decision-making function in every modern organization. It is an herculean task to make the right decision in a complex, dynamic and turbulent business environment. Eromafuru(2016:288) posits that change is universal and endemic in a productive system and today’s business environment is turbulent and chaotic. This is further necessitated by the effects of globalization on every aspect of advancement in the 21st century. Managers and management theories are finding it very difficult to address challenges in this changing world because there is no singular theory that proffer answers to current competitive, diverse , and dynamic issues in business. Hence the advocacy for evolution from managerial decision-making function to organizational leadership decision making process. As a result, leaders must possess excellent leadership capacities, capabilities and strategies to remain competitive in a dynamic business environment. Political leadership is the umbrella of leadership overseeing a political entity where business organizations and other environments co-exist. Political leaders administer the laws, bilateral and multilateral relationships , and ensures a conducive environment that fosters business activities, and organizational leadership must obey and blend within the rules and regulations. It is trite to conclude that situations, environmental needs, competitiveness in business, political happenings, and more so, the traits of the leader determine the types of leadership models, decision-making process, theories and trends to be harnessed to address pressing demands and achieve either short-term or long-term objectives of the organization or a nation. Hence, leaders should make impactful decisions to improve maritime sector performance by effecting strategic, visionary and proactive leadership in port management, shipping industry and port terminal operations.