Ekaterina Makarevich

• This thesis examines the impact of various leadership styles on project success across different industries, including IT, construction, and healthcare. Through a combination of literature review and empirical research involving interviews with industry leaders, this study explores how transformational, transactional, authoritarian, and democratic leadership styles affect team motivation, project quality, and deadline adherence. The research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of each leadership style and evaluates their effectiveness in specific project scenarios. Transformational leadership is noted for its ability to inspire and innovate, making it ideal for dynamic sectors like technology. In contrast, transactional and authoritarian styles provide structure and discipline, suited for industries requiring stringent adherence to standards, such as construction. Furthermore, democratic leadership, with its emphasis on collective decision-making, is found to enhance creativity and employee satisfaction, which is crucial in education and healthcare projects. The study also incorporates a SWOT analysis to provide a detailed evaluation of each leadership style, offering insights into their potential impacts under various operational conditions. Key findings suggest that no single leadership style is universally effective; rather, project managers should adapt their leadership approach based on project requirements, team dynamics, and industry characteristics. The thesis concludes with recommendations for project leaders on selecting and tailoring leadership styles to optimize project outcomes and enhance team performance. This research contributes to the field of project management by providing a clearer understanding of how specific leadership styles can directly influence project success and by offering practical guidance for current and future project managers.