How strategic leadership can lead to organisational success: study into the Steinhoff brand in the Western Cape

Abstract

Due to the challenges of the modern business world, it has become increasingly more important for leaders to utilise strategic leadership skills. Studies have shown however, that most leaders do not implement strategic leadership skills, due to being too focused on meeting short-term goals and deadlines (Forbes, 2017). Steinhoff is one of the most successful brands in South Africa (Writer, 2017). This study explores how leadership influenced the brand’s success and if the leadership is strategic in nature. The researcher focused on defining strategic leadership and organisational success, and explored the relationship between these two concepts. The research was conducted using mixed methods of quantitative and well as qualitative research. The quantitative component comprised of a close-ended questionnaire that that was sent out to 100 working professionals in the Western Cape. For the qualitative component, an in-depth interview was held with one of the top-level directors at Steinhoff. The research was done in the form of a case study methodology focusing on the Steinhoff brand in the Western Cape. The study proposes that strategic leadership will positively influence organisational performance. During the research process, it was evident that there is a lack of precedence on the effect of strategic leadership in organisations, or the importance thereof, in the Western Cape. This study reveals the need for further research as well as wider implementation of strategic leadership skills in companies in the Western Cape.