Analysing the perceived leadership skills and competencies required by project managers in KwaZulu-Natal Sappi Saiccor.

Abstract

Leadership is described as the procedure by which a person seeks to persuade other group members to achieve collective goals. Leadership is also considered as a procedure by which individuals bring out the greatest qualities in themselves and others. The aim of the research was to analyse the leadership skills and competencies required for managing projects in KwaZulu-Natal Sappi Saiccor. A quantitative method was done to achieve the research's aims. Convenience sampling method was used to collect data by distributing questionnaires to 72 Sappi Saiccor employees who are working within targeted selected departments. Out of the 72 employees, 55 of them participated on this study. This translated to 76% participance response rate which is regarded to be high enough for validity and reliability of the results. The data received were examined utilising statistical software. The first objective was to determine managers perceptions and the leadership competencies required by project managers in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The research found that there is a statistically significant difference among managers perceptions and leadership competencies required by project managers at KZN Sappi Saiccor. The second objective was to examine managers perceptions and leadership skills required by project managers in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The study found that there is a statistically significant difference among managers perceptions and leadership skills required by project managers in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The third objective was to examine different leadership styles and their effect on successful execution of project in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The study found that there is a statistically significant difference among leadership styles and their effect on successful execution of projects in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The fourth objective was to examine the relationship between leadership skills and competencies and demographic variable. These outcomes demonstrate that just the characteristics of managers’ perceptions (cognitive activation and personalised attention) clarify variations in leadership competencies, alongside cognitive activation being of greater importance. Research suggests that national culture significantly impacts the efficiency of leadership. According to the literature, a leader's skills have a significant impact on worker competencies. Leadership skills influence competencies to varied degrees. Research suggests that leadership skills lead to greater competencies. Research keywords: Leadership skills, competencies, leadership styles, projects management, managers perception.