Exploring ubuntu in leadership perceptions among South African construction professionals

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to gain a deeper understanding of Ubuntu, and how relationships within the leadership-follower exchange can be harnessed and maintained with Ubuntu as a leadership approach. The study aimed to explore the relational nature between leaders and followers, in the context of leadership being co-created through the interconnected relationships and richly interactive contexts within the business context. The study was based on Leadership as a social process, which entails interaction and collaboration between leaders and stakeholders, and was set in the context of working teams within organisations as well as in project teams in the construction sector. A qualitative and exploratory research method was used to interview ten construction professionals in leader as well as follower positions in the construction sector of South Africa. Ten semi-structured in?depth interviews were conducted to find answers to the research questions that explored how Ubuntu can be relevant in the business context as a relational style of leadership in as far as it impacts leader-follower exchanges. The key findings of the research are that respondents displayed an understanding of Ubuntu and its relevance in the context of business. Respondents related Ubuntu to collaboration between companies and consultants in their approach to sourcing and delivering of projects. An Ubuntu and Leader Member Exchange Model was developed using the values, behaviours and character traits of Ubuntu, and characteristics of high quality Leader Member Exchange relationship working teams.