Abstract:
Strategic leaders are essential in navigating the VUCA turbulence to solve concerns of
massive information uncertainty, resource scarcity, and desperation. MNEs managed by these
executives are capable of pivoting and achieving unimaginable profits during disruptive eras.
Strategic leadership has an indirect impact on overall organizational performance since it is
impacted by external and overall organizational changes. Sustainability remains a top item on
the global agenda and the 2030 Agenda has become the primary set of recommendations for
ensuring a sustainable future for everyone due to its widespread adoption. As MNE’s embark
on their goals to internationalize, expand, exploit, and explore global turfs, adherence, and
compliance to OHS legislative requirement may be a core competence to leverage on but is
likely to leave an unmendable hole in a business’s bottom line if not attended to. There remains
an enormous amount of work to be done on OHS compliance as according to the World Health
Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) in 2017 as they reported that
the Annual Mortality rate of 2.3 mil (Injuries and Diseases) globally and $70 mil in costs for fall
related claims
Through Qualitative research methodology the study investigated “How does strategic
leadership influence Occupational Health and Safety compliance in Manufacturing MNE's?”
18 participants from various manufacturing companies were invited. Of the 18 that were
invited, 17 committed and were eventually interviewed. Participants were based in different
locations like South Africa (KZN & GP) and Washington DC
The study's conclusions, emphasizes that occupational health and safety compliance is a legal
requirement that, if disregarded, might subject organizations to hefty fines. The basic minimum
OHS compliance regulation should be adhered to earnestly. If the organisation has covered
the basic premise of the minimum regulation, they can then explore additional methods of selfregulation
to enhance OHS compliance. The study revealed that the requirements of OHS
compliance should be part of the core structure of the strategy and OHS compliance is
incorporated into the strategy to ensure it forms part of the organisations culture. The findings
also indicated that for organisations where there are various needs around OHS compliance,
approaches like Directive supportive, participative and achievement leadership approach
would be essential. Finally, an array of hard, soft and digitalisation skills that strategic leaders
to influence OHS Compliance ranging from relationship building, motivation, conflict resolution
to adaptability, agility, innovation, and excellent communication skills
