Ubuntu leadership style influence on South African mining employees’ engagement

Abstract

This study explored the impact of Ubuntu leadership on employee engagement within South Africa's mining industry, emphasising values such as respect, empathy, inclusivity, survival, and interconnectedness. Using a descriptive, cross-sectional design, the research examined how Ubuntu leadership addresses industry-specific challenges, including high accident rates, difficult working conditions, and diverse demographic needs. Findings showed a positive correlation between Ubuntu leadership and enhanced employee engagement, suggesting this culturally grounded model fosters a supportive, motivated workforce. Demographic analysis revealed that Ubuntu leadership's impact remains consistent across different age groups, genders, and tenures, reinforcing its versatility in engaging diverse employee groups. The study further identified safety culture as a key moderating factor, strengthening the link between Ubuntu leadership and engagement in safer work environments. This finding highlighted the importance of integrating strong safety practices with Ubuntu leadership to maximise employee morale and commitment, especially in high-risk settings. These insights offer strategic implications for developing effective leadership models tailored to high-risk industries, contributing to academic literature and practical applications within the South African mining sector. Limitations related to sample diversity were noted, with recommendations for future research to include a broader range of mining commodities to improve generalisability.