Key leadership factors towards business process improvement: a managerial focus

Complex systems require leaders that are able to deliver the highest quality products and services. Therefore it is critical that organisations hire the right leaders, who possess the right skills in the right roles. The shortage of leaders and leadership skills is creating a challenge for the embattled clothing and textile industry over the past four decades. Competition is forcing organisations to focus their energy on “core competencies.” The clothing and textile sector is witnessing changes in technology, diversification of labour, managerial implications while competing on the global market. Managerial competencies are essential in a dynamic working environment where collaboration and team effort is vital for organisational progress. The South African manufacturing industry is plagued with inefficiency and productivity is at its worst level with a 1.35% growth rate. The industry´s ability to generate sustainable and productive employment varies according to geographical locations. The aim of this article is to highlight the lack of managerial and leadership competencies in the implementation of business improvement strategies that can be implemented at manufacturers´ to improve the productivity levels while trying to save jobs in the industry. An extensive review of literature was undertaken to identify leadership competencies applicable to the South African context. Six leadership competencies were identified and were validated by expert opinion. Both qualitative and quantitative data was used in the survey.