BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

        Every organization becomes what it is largely because of her leader. This explains why in any organization, there are usually individuals responsible for organizing or directing the affairs and activities of such organization. These individual are usually people who have the ability to lead the other people in an organization to work towards the realization of the goals and objectives of the organization in order move the organization forward.

        Leadership is a part of management, which deals with influencing activities of individuals in the effort toward goal achievement in a given situation.

        The impact of effective leadership style should not be neglected because it leads to co-operation among employees and leaders in the organization.

        It also brings about mutual relationship between employees and leaders in the organization.

        It also brings about greater productivity and the attainment of set goals objectives.

        A leader must posses the following characteristics.

i.      He must be friendly with his employees.

ii.    he must be willing to accept responsibilities

iii.    He must be able to plan for the future

iv.    He must be socially active by participating in group function e.t.c

       When leaders possesses some of these characteristics in dealing with his employees, I believe the employees will work in harmony and peace towards the attainment of organizational goals.

       In relation to this topic, Union bank of Nigeria plc was establish in 1917 as a colonial bank with its first branch in Lagos, in 1925. Barclays bank acquired the colonial bank which resulted in change of the bank’s naira to Barclays Bank (Dominio Colorial and overseas). By the enactment of the 1972 and 1977 in Nigeria enterprises promotion Act, Barclays Bank international disposed its shares holding to Nigeria in 1979. In compliance with the companies and Allied matter Act, 1990, it assumed the name Union Bank of Nigeria Plc.

       The Union Bank Plc, Oleh branch is headed by Benin City, and was established on Friday July, 24^th 1998 by a representative of Delta State Government. The bank was opened with 7 (seven) staff among whom Mr. Benson Almual, A.A. Aklu and Ologho the first customer.

       The fundamental purpose of the bank is to provide fianncail services. It provide short term loans to businesses and customers in order to increase the grass-root economic and social development for both individuals and organizations of rural and Urban areas.