Abstract:
In recent history, many organisations operating within South Africa have found themselves in trouble with the Department of Labour, due to non-compliance with the Employment Equity Act (EEA) that was passed over twenty years ago. The pace of transformation in the private sector has been slower than anticipated over the years, which will impact business sustainability in the long term. It is therefore critical for organisations to find the right people to lead this strategic process.
The aim of this study is to help executive teams to make appropriate recruitment decisions if their goal is to transform their organisation. This study has three purposes: first, it investigates what leadership style facilitates the successful implementation of employment equity strategies. Second, the study seeks to understand the specific role these leaders play in leading employment equity. A third purpose of the study Is to decipher their leadership attributes. This study also highlights what type of training may be required to build the necessary capability for influencing and managing employment equity.
The study was conducted using a qualitative design through face to face, semi- structured interviews with leaders in organisations across various industries that are responsible for influencing and driving employment equity. The interview focused on the role of leadership and key attributes necessary to drive employment equity. It was found that the role of leadership is critical in driving employment equity by creating the vision, communicating the vision, developing the strategy and inspiring followers to create a culture of equality.
Further to this, the study reflected that two key leadership styles are applicable in driving employment equity, which are transactional and transformational leadership styles. While transactional leadership met some of the attributes necessary to drive employment equity, transformational leadership style was found to possess the key attributes required for leaders to drive and influence employment equity and is therefore more suited.
