Background of the Study
Ethical leadership has become increasingly important in fostering workplace trust, employee engagement, and organizational commitment. In the Nigerian media industry, which operates under intense pressure and scrutiny, ethical leadership is critical in retaining talent and maintaining organizational stability (Okafor & Odozi, 2024). Employee retention is a persistent challenge in media houses, with high turnover rates often linked to unethical practices, lack of transparency, and inadequate leadership.
Daily Trust, a leading newspaper in Abuja, provides a compelling context for studying the role of ethical leadership in retaining employees. As media professionals face unique challenges such as job insecurity and ethical dilemmas, leadership behavior plays a significant role in shaping workplace culture and employee loyalty (Adebayo et al., 2025). This study explores the impact of ethical leadership on employee retention, providing actionable insights for media organizations seeking to enhance workforce stability.
Statement of the Problem
High employee turnover rates in Nigerian media houses have raised concerns about the sustainability of the industry. Daily Trust, like many media organizations, faces challenges related to employee dissatisfaction and attrition, often attributed to unethical leadership practices (Eze & Ibe, 2023). These challenges undermine organizational performance, disrupt operations, and erode employee morale.
While ethical leadership is widely acknowledged as a determinant of employee retention, there is limited empirical evidence on its impact within the Nigerian media context. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the relationship between ethical leadership and employee retention in Daily Trust, offering recommendations for fostering a positive work environment.
Objectives of the Study
To examine the relationship between ethical leadership and employee retention in Daily Trust.
To identify leadership practices that influence employee retention in Nigerian media houses.
To propose strategies for promoting ethical leadership to enhance employee retention.
Research Questions
What is the relationship between ethical leadership and employee retention in Daily Trust?
What leadership practices influence employee retention in Nigerian media houses?
What strategies can promote ethical leadership to enhance employee retention?
Research Hypotheses
Ethical leadership does not significantly influence employee retention in Daily Trust.
Leadership practices do not significantly affect employee retention in Nigerian media houses.
Strategies to promote ethical leadership do not significantly enhance employee retention.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
This study focuses on Daily Trust’s operations in Abuja, examining the relationship between ethical leadership and employee retention from 2020 to 2025. Limitations include the study’s focus on a single organization and potential bias in employee perceptions of leadership.
Definitions of Terms
Ethical Leadership: Leadership behavior characterized by integrity, fairness, and accountability.
Employee Retention: Strategies and practices aimed at maintaining a stable workforce.
Media Houses: Organizations involved in producing and distributing news and media content.
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