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Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context

Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2023.

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Main Author: Swart, Maret
Other Authors: Human, Gert
Format: Thesis
Language:en_ZA
Published: Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University 2023
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access_status_str Open Access
author Swart, Maret
author2 Human, Gert
author_browse Human, Gert
Swart, Maret
author_facet Human, Gert
Swart, Maret
author_sort Swart, Maret
collection Thesis
dc_rights_str_mv Stellenbosch University
description Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2023.
format Thesis
id oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/129080
institution Stellenbosch University (South Africa)
language en_ZA
last_indexed 2026-06-10T12:42:03.173Z
license_str Other — see source repository
provenance_str_mv Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
publishDate 2023
publishDateRange 2023
publishDateSort 2023
publisher Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
publisherStr Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
record_format dspace
source_str SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository
spelling oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/129080 Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context Swart, Maret Human, Gert Maree, Lelani Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept of Business Management. Organisations complexes Chaotic behavior in systems Leadership Organizational behavior UCTD Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2023. ENGLISH SUMMARY: In the contemporary landscape of organisational dynamics, the understanding of leadership within complex adaptive systems (CAS) has become paramount. This qualitative study investigates the intricate interplay between CAS, complexity leadership theory (CLT), and conditional influences as suggested by the the Cynefin framework. The literature review synthesises the foundational concepts of complexity theory, highlighting its non-linear, interconnected, and emergent nature. CLT is examined, emphasizing the need for adaptive and context-sensitive leadership approaches within dynamic environments. Additionally, the Cynefin framework, known for categorising knowledge and contexts into the simple, complicated, complex, and chaotic subdomains, is explored for its applicability in guiding decision-making and leadership action and approach. Employing a qualitative research design, this study utilised semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection method. Participants from diverse organisations, were approached and interviewed regarding the organisational context and the leadership approaches they are exposed to. The qualitative approach allowed for an in-depth exploration of nuances and complexities inherent in the leadership approaches of respondents or their experience of such approaches, as well as the role of the context and uncertainty of their environments. The findings of this study shed light on current organisational context faced by leaders. The integration of CLT and the Cynefin framework provides a comprehensive lens to understand the multifaceted nature of leadership within CAS. The research underscores the importance of context-aware leadership approaches that acknowledge the fluidity of systems and the necessity of flexible responses. Consistent with the changing landscape of organisational dynamics, this research indicated that in the organisational investigated it was found that the context is considered to be complicated or complex in nature. As expected, trace elements of CAS and CLT were identified, along with the recognition from leaders and employees of the importance and ever presence of complexity. In conclusion, this research contributed to the discourse of leadership by unveiling the intricate dynamics of leadership within CAS. The insights garnered from the interviews and analysed through the lens of complexity, CLT, and the Cynefin framework offer practical implications for leaders navigating uncertainty in today’s rapidly evolving organisational landscape. Masters 2023-11-29T09:39:17Z 2024-01-08T21:40:44Z 2023-11-29T09:39:17Z 2024-01-08T21:40:44Z 2023-12 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/129080 en_ZA Stellenbosch University xxix, 446 pages : illustrations, includes annexures application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
spellingShingle Organisations complexes
Chaotic behavior in systems
Leadership
Organizational behavior
UCTD
Swart, Maret
Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context
title Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context
title_full Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context
title_fullStr Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context
title_full_unstemmed Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context
title_short Complexity leadership theory : an exploratory study in the South African context
title_sort complexity leadership theory an exploratory study in the south african context
topic Organisations complexes
Chaotic behavior in systems
Leadership
Organizational behavior
UCTD
url https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/129080
work_keys_str_mv AT swartmaret complexityleadershiptheoryanexploratorystudyinthesouthafricancontext