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.
