Transformational Leadership and Project Team Performance of the Kigali Innovation City (KIC) Project in Rwanda
Uwamwezi Evath, Rubunda Emmaboles & Sammy Nyabera
Mount Kigali University, Rwanda
Email: uwamwezievath97@gmail.com
Abstract: This study examined the effect of transformational leadership on project team performance in the Kigali Innovation City (KIC) project managed by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Guided by Bass and Riggio’s Transformational Leadership Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach using descriptive and correlational research designs. The target population comprised 379 individuals involved in the KIC project. Using Yamane’s (1967) formula, a sample of 194 respondents was selected. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from eight key informant interviews. Of the 194 questionnaires distributed, 185 werecompleted and returned, representing a response rate of 96.36%. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis, whereas qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that transformational leadership had a strong positive influence on project team performance, with an overall mean score of 4.23 (SD = 0.79) across visionary guidance, inspirational motivation, individualized consideration, and role modelling. Regression analysis identified transformational leadership as the strongest predictor of project team performance (β = 0.482, p < 0.001). Together, transformational, transactional, and democratic leadership styles explained 81.3% of the variance in project team performance (R² = 0.813), with the overall model being statistically significant (F = 248.5, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings reinforced these results, showing that transformational leadership enhanced creativity, commitment, collaboration, and productivity. The study concludes that transformational leadership is essential for improving project team performance and recommends strengthening leadership development programs and embedding visionary leadership practices within project governance to advance Rwanda’s Vision 2050 and National Innovation Policy.
