Abstract:
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study was to develop and assess whether a leadership skills development model, which integrates six valid conceptual constructs, will develop enhanced leadership skills in an African-based fast-moving consumer goods business network. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The six-construct model is predicated on the literature review, which was empirically tested. Thus, the study selected a pragmatic approach and followed up with an explanatory sequential design typology. Moreover, this study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional survey research methodology, while an online survey was administered to collect primary data from the Kwaden Group. Inferential statistics were also employed so as to appropriately examine the validity and reliability of the constructs. Finally, a qualitative phenomenological research approach was utilised to collect primary data from key decision-makers within the African fast-moving consumer goods business network via structured face-to- face interviews. FINDINGS: The study provides a theoretically relevant and empirically validated leadership skills development model amendable to an African fast-moving consumer goods business network. Additionally, a confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a good model fit for the leadership skills development model. It was also established that leadership skills development should be multilevel, which infers that participants should have the opportunity to develop multifaceted leadership skills and that such leadership capabilities should be a primary company objective. RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: The leadership skills development model, if adopted by an organisation, will result in a leadership skills development initiative being established on theoretically relevant and empirically validated constructs. MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: This dedicated approach should assist organisations in developing the necessary leadership skills among their personnel so as to enhance the company’s leadership capacity and ultimately improve business potential and profitability. This perspective should also challenge the fast-moving network of consumer goods organisations and academic institutions to seek a new approach to developing leadership skills.
