The Role of Situational Leadership in the Management of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Among Durban Trucking Companies

Abstract

The present research study is focused on the analysis of the role of situational leadership in the context of small and medium-sized enterprise management. The main purpose of this research is to examine and to critically evaluate the use of different situational leadership styles in the management of SMEs. This study has sought to review leader obligations and the evolution of these leadership styles in SME management. The study has intended to provide the fundamental empirical evaluation of the role played by situational leadership in SME management. The sample for the present research has been identified from the population of registered trucking companies in Durban. A sample has been drawn from the SMEs within the registered trucking companies, using convenient sampling techniques and methods.

The findings of this research have shown the positive impact that situational leadership theory has in SME management. In fact, SME owners and managers will be inspired to understand the managerial role of the appropriateness behavioural style in the contextual business situations. Also, the study recommended that owners and leaders of SMEs should ameliorate leader sovereignty and follower skills, as these often interact in predicting poor follower performance and attitudinal responses. In addition, the present study has provided the tools necessary for SME owners and managers, to guide the improvement and effectiveness of personal leadership.