The influence of strategic leadership on occupational health and safety compliance in manufacturing MNE’s.

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