Effect of Project Leadership Practices on Success of Social Housing Project Supported by Bank of Kigali in Gasabo District, Rwanda

Claire Ishimwe & Jean de Dieu Dushimimana
University of Kigali
Email: ishimweclaire30@gmail.com

Abstract: This study examines the effect of project leadership practices on the success of social housing projects supported by the Bank of Kigali in Gasabo District, Rwanda. It focuses on leadership skills and experience, assessing their roles in successful project implementation. A descriptive research design, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, was employed. Data were collected from 269 respondents involved in the projects, selected using stratified and simple random sampling methods, via structured questionnaires and interviews. Analysis was conducted using SPSS Version 25, with findings presented through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. Results revealed a strong positive correlation between leadership skills and project success (r = 0.812), while leadership experience showed a stronger correlation (r = 0.845). Regression analysis confirmed that both leadership skills and experience significantly predict project success, with leadership experience having a stronger impact (β = 0.423, p < 0.01) compared to leadership skills (β = 0.312, p < 0.01). The model summary indicated that leadership skills and experience accounted for 73.7% of the variance in project success (Adjusted R² = 0.737). The study recommends enhancing leadership development programs that focus on technical and managerial competencies, as well as offering opportunities for leaders to gain diverse project experience, to improve the outcomes of social housing projects in Gasabo District.