A conceptual leadership model: challenges in the Eastern Cape’s public sector.

Abstract

Despite large studies conducted on public sector leadership challenges, there remains no standardised approaches applicable universally in addressing leadership challenges in public sectors. This study was conducted in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa with the aim of addressing leadership challenges in the public sector. Existing leadership theories and models have developed and designed for different situations, cultures, political, economic, and social backgrounds not taking into consideration developing economies such as those of African and Asian countries. Developing economies transposed leadership theories and models from advanced economies and have used them wholesome without modifying them to suit the needs of their countries, hence arises challenges due to some of the gaps. This study proposes a conceptual leadership model to address those challenges. The study followed the quantitative research methods. The population was 5003 senior managers from the Eastern Cape and a sample of 370 respondents was randomly selected. Seven public departments and seven districts were used. Respondents were issued self-administered questionnaires that probed issues on leadership and management in public organisations. Data was analysed by use of descriptive, inferential, and factor analyses. Findings showed anomalies such as a lack of appropriate skills among senior managers, flawed recruitment and placement processes of employees, lack of accountability, tasks incomplete indicating under-performance was overwhelming. Managers disagreed to re-integration of the province to other provinces such as the Western Province. Some managers did not blame the challenges of leadership on the historical background of the country. The demarcation of the provinces was not viewed as the cause of the leadership challenges. Some managers felt that employees spent time at work discussing politics while other managers agreed that they do not implement their decisions. The study recommends leadership and managerial skills training by government and integration into curricula. Training institutions should focus on leadership and management in the public sector and compulsory training for aspirant employees and an extension of probation periods. The study is envisaged to benefit both the local and international discourse.