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An examination of the external environmental complexities affecting leadership effectiveness in the uMzimkhulu Local Municipality

Author

Listed:
  • AC NGQOYIYA

    (Department of Public Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

  • S MUTEREKO

    (Centre for Postgraduate Studies, Rhodes University, South Africa)

  • NC NDEBELE

    (Department of Public Governance, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa)

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the external environmental complexities affecting leadership effectiveness in uMzimkhulu Municipality using the complex adaptive leadership theory as its theoretical framework. It used a mixed methods approach. Purposive sampling was used to draw a sample of managerial employees from the municipality and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from them. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from non-managerial employees from the same municipality. The results showed agreeability that community pressures, political change dynamics and changes in economic cycles were the key external factors that challenged the municipality's ability to meet its service delivery goals. The external environment of the UMLM is complex, intricate and dynamic enough to adversely affect leadership effectiveness. As recommended, on the strategic front, the municipality needed to enhance contingency strategies that directly deal with the external environment challenges that affect service delivery. On the leadership development front, it needed to equip its leaders with skills to manage external environment complexities, including through the guidance of the complex adaptive leadership theory.

Suggested Citation

  • Ac Ngqoyiya & S Mutereko & Nc Ndebele, 2025. "An examination of the external environmental complexities affecting leadership effectiveness in the uMzimkhulu Local Municipality," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 12(1), pages 113-125, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:jsserr:v:12:y:2025:i:1:p:113-125
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15804526
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nduduzo C Ndebele & Andrew Enaifoghe, 2023. "The Adoption of Innovative Strategies for Enhanced Service Delivery in the South Africa Public Sector," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 10(2), pages 114-121, December.
    2. Boulton, Jean G. & Allen, Peter M. & Bowman, Cliff, 2015. "Embracing Complexity: Strategic Perspectives for an Age of Turbulence," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780199565269.
    3. J. J. McCall, 1970. "Economics of Information and Job Search," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 84(1), pages 113-126.
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    JEL classification:

    • H70 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - General

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