Leadership style and organisational commitment in the mining industry in Mpumalanga

Abstract

Abstract Orientation: The mining industry is a notoriously difficult environment to achieve positive work outcomes, such as employee commitment. The association between transformational leadership and commitment within this context at a coal mine in Phola in the Mpumalanga province, a geographical area largely neglected in scientific research, is investigated. Research purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between leadership styles (as measured by the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) organisational commitment (as measured by the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire) and in the coal mining industry at a specific site in Phola. Motivation: A need exists for research to be conducted in the coal mining industry in Mpumalanga on the leadership style that enhances employee commitment. Committed employees represent valuable human capital that should be retained as long as possible Research design, approach and method: A quantitative, cross-sectional survey design with a census (n = 88, response rate=73%) was used to collect data. Both instruments showed acceptable internal consistencies. Main findings/results: Statistically significant relationships were found between the two variables. Practical implications: Managers and human resource practitioners will benefit from the knowledge gained. Human resource managers should empower line managers through management development programmes, coaching and mentoring to practice transformational leadership. Contribution: The findings of this research add to the body of existing knowledge on transformational leadership and commitment. Valuable insights have been gained on the appropriate leadership style needed to improve commitment in this demanding and under-researched context, namely a coal mining site in Phola, Mpumalanga.