Investigating the relationship between Effective Change Management, Organisational Leadership and Hope and Optimism in the South African Private Sector during COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unparalleled changes to the workplace environment, resulting in a rapid increase in the incidence of occupational burn-out. This state, characterised by an increased mental distance from one’s work and experiencing feelings of negativity or cynicism, may be considered the antithesis of Hope and Optimism. Hope and Optimism is rooted in the ability to visualise and persevere towards achieving goals yet given the enormity of changes and disruptions in the workplace, employees have been faced with the possibility of no longer having the means, direction or ability to attain goals. This may adversely affect levels of Hope and Optimism in the workplace and consequently, employee wellbeing.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between Effective Change Management, Organisational Leadership and Hope and Optimism during the COVID19 pandemic.

Setting: The sample represented 29 organisations operating in the private sector, with 1 723 participants.

Methods: A positivist methodology was used. The data collected from the surveys underwent a quantitative analysis and the study was cross-sectional by design.

Results: It was found that Effective Change Management and Organisational Leadership had strong positive relationships, Organisational Leadership and Hope and Optimism had medium positive relationships, and Effective Change Management and Hope and Optimism reported small-to-medium positive relationships. Furthermore, Effective Change Management and Organisational Leadership predicted 20% of the variance in Hope and Optimism.

Conclusion: During times of crisis, Effective Change Management and Organisational Leadership alone may not be enough to significantly enhance employee Hope and Optimism. Recommendations were made to improve change management practices and leadership behaviours and suggestions for further research were proposed.