Leadership role in setting the pace of transformation in the telecommunications industry - boldly building the next leader or conforming to status quo

Abstract

The world is rapidly evolving, in a fundamental manner, moving from the Third Revolution to the Fourth Revolution, standing at the brink of a digital technological revolution in an aggressively competitive environment. Literature on leadership, barriers inhibiting change and organisational culture have been extensively researched. However, research limitations exist in the new millennium, where boundaries have blurred and theories have been intertwined. The purpose of this research study seeks to establish the role of leadership in influencing the pace of transformation at senior executive level, by either strategically driving change or conforming to status quo, in a male dominated environment. A qualitative research study was conducted based on 12 in-depth interviews with members of leadership from South African based telecommunications companies. The exploration study was to gain insights on the current state of the role of leadership in setting the pace of transformation, by understanding the priority status that it is given on the strategic agenda, where hard-coded barriers, such as stereotyping and societal gender preconceptions, continue to exist. The findings of the research study indicate that although some advancement has been made, albeit at a slow pace, the resounding lack of progressive organisational change, despite a strong business case for a diverse workforce, needs to be addressed with concerted effort. This can only be achieved, in a sustainable manner, if the benefits of transformation truly resonate with leaders, organisations and the telecommunications industry thereby enabling the overhaul of the system with the revolutionary change demanded.