The impact of demographic characteristics on leadership styles in the lebanese private sector

Abstract

Introduction
Leadership plays a vital role in shaping how employees behave within an organization. Different leaders tend to exhibit unique leadership styles, often influenced by demographic factors that affect their behavior and decision-making processes. This study is structured around three main axes. The first axis, demographic characteristics, includes variables such as age, gender, educational level, and professional experience. These are considered independent variables, as they are the factors that may influence leadership style. The second axis focuses on leadership styles, which include various types such as democratic, autocratic, and laissez-faire. These are dependent variables, representing the outcomes affected by the demographic factors. The third axis focuses on leaders' behavior, referring to how the demographic factors influence their behavior and traits.

Objective
This study aims to:

1. Examine the relationship between demographic characteristics – such as age, gender, education, and experience – and leadership styles among Lebanese private-sector leaders.
2. Identify the dominant leadership styles.
3. Assess how demographic factors influence leadership effectiveness and explore the implications of this relationship for organizational performance within Lebanon's socio-cultural context. For the first time, this study delves into the qualities of Lebanese leaders in the private sector, highlighting their key traits and examining how they managed challenges such as the 2020 economic crisis. This research makes meaningful contributions to several academic areas, including management sciences, human resources, organizational psychology, leadership development, sociology, and regional studies. It sheds light on how demographic factors like age, gender, experience, and education shape leadership behavior and effectiveness in the private sector. These insights are especially valuable for improving leadership training, refining HR policies, and designing better organizational structures. Additionally, the study provides a regional perspective that can be used for comparative research in similar cultural or economic environments.
   
   Method
   A random sample of 300 employees from 86 Lebanese private companies participated in the study. They completed a survey consisting of 40 questions that explored the relationship between demographic characteristics and leadership, as well as the influence of leadership styles on employee behavior. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software through Pearson correlation and Cramer's test. Additionally, interviews were conducted with respondents to further explain the purpose of the study and provide guidance on how to complete the survey. The authors of the article faced many challenges during the study, such as the length of questionnaires, rescheduling interviews and appointments with companies, leaders' refusal to participate, lack of transparency and bias of certain employees who were excluded from the sample.
   
   Results
   The results reveal a strong and statistically significant connection between demographic traits and leadership styles. Factors such as age, gender, education, and professional experience play a key role in shaping whether leaders adopt democratic, autocratic, or laissez-faire approaches. Additionally, the extent of this influence varies across demographic factors and differs depending on the specific leadership style being applied.
   
   Conclusion
   The study confirmed a strong to moderate relationship between demographic characteristics - particularly age and professional experience – and leadership styles in Lebanese private companies. These demographic factors seem to play a significant role in shaping leadership traits and behaviors.