DRIVING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: E-LEADERSHIP AND FLEXIBLE WORK ARRANGEMENTS IN POST-FUEL SUBSIDY NIGERIA

Abstract

The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has significantly changed the country’s economic environment, resulting in higher living and transportation costs. These economic pressures have had a negative effect on employee performance and livelihood, creating an urgent need for strategies to mitigate their consequences. This study investigated the combined influence of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) and e-leadership on the performance of non-teaching staff at Bayero University, Kano. The research was underpinned by the Job Demand-Resources (JD-R) Theory, which provided a framework for understanding how job demands and resources interacted to shape employee outcomes. The data was collected from 190 non-teaching staff members using non-probability sampling technique, and regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. The results demonstrated a significant positive relationship between e-leadership and employee performance, emphasizing the importance of digital leadership in driving productivity. In addition, one dimension of FWAs was also shown to have a significant effect on employee performance, indicating that flexible work options could assist employees in managing economic challenges more effectively. The findings highlighted practical implications for both policymakers and organisational leaders. Specifically, they suggested that adopting FWAs and strengthening e-leadership practices could serve as effective strategies for sustaining employee performance in times of economic uncertainty. Beyond its practical contributions, the study has also enriched the literature on workplace adaptability by highlighting the strategic value of FWAs and e-leadership in turbulent environments. Finally, recommendations for policy and practice are provided, alongside directions for future research to further examine the long-term impact of these interventions.