Leadership development in the construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the major industry in South Africa, due to its positive infrastructure impact to the economy. Like any other industry, strong leadership is fundamental for its growth. Moreover, in order to stay competitive, South African construction organizations must find a way to train their project and construction managers to become capable leaders in their specific disciplines. Hence, this study presents findings on how managers can be developed into leaders in the South African construction industry. The data used in this research were derived from both primary and secondary sources. The secondary data was collected via a detailed review of related literature. The primary data was collected through a well-structured questionnaire aimed at 150 projects and construction managers in the South African construction industry. 110 questionnaires were received and data was analysed using Statkon SPSS software, whereby frequencies, MIS and descriptive were attained. Findings revealed that, curricula education and qualification can help develop leaders in the South African construction industry. Followed by leadership training courses, taking responsibility as mangers, and accepting new challenges were seen as important, in addition internal motivation, professional and personal development. The study presents a background about the construction industry and the importance of effective leadership in the construction industry for construction management performance.

Exploring the challenges in leadership roles experienced by nurse managers in a mining primary healthcare setting in South Africa

“…It is not the obligation of the mining management and unions to lead in a primary healthcare setting as it requires specific operational skills that they do not have (The South African Human Resource for Health, 2012/2013–2016/2017). Sherman ( 2012 ), Zydziunaite and Souminen ( 2014 ) and Liphadzi, Aigbavboa and Thwala ( 2016 ) found the same results that nurse managers are expected to facilitate their leadership roles, while, on the other hand, they are dealing with a high pressure from the management that interfere with their daily activities. The regulation for the course leading to Diploma in Nursing Administration (South African Department of Health, Regulation 2554 of 1985 as amended) stipulates that nurse managers can lead in a healthcare establishment, provided that they have a nursing management qualification.…”

Sustainable Construction Projects: The Level of Understanding on Leadership Skills among Project Managers

“…A combination of capability and actions of leaders that influences other principles aligned with the purpose and goal of the organisation. Liphadzi et al (2018) A process by which one person influences other individual thoughts, beliefs and action. Oyetunji et al (2019) A complex process in which individual influences others to attain an assigned job.…”

“…As shown in Table 1, leadership is characterised not only by the ability to lead, but also by the ability to influence others to achieve goals. According to Liphadzi et al (2018), leadership is seen as the way to influence people to reach the desired results. Other than that, leadership is when an outstanding leader influences his subordinates and exchanges objectives within the organisation (Muda, 2013).…”

“…In the context of the construction industry, as project managers, construction professionals understand that their focus should be on finishing tasks. They strive to achieve the goal of completing their activities on schedule and within the budget (Liphadzi et al, 2018;Muda et al, 2017).…”

Nurse managers experiences of their leadership roles in a specific mining primary healthcare service in the West Rand

“…Leadership roles in mining Primary Healthcare (mPHC) service assist nurse managers (NMs) to resolve conflicts by engaging with their followers and other stakeholders, collectively leaning towards different solutions (Liphadzi, Aigbavboa & Thwala 2016 :1; Okoroji, Anyanwu & Ukpere 2014 :180). The purpose of Primary Health Care (PHC) at the mines in South Africa is to ensure that mine workers are healthy and fit to work underground for gold or mineral production (The South African Human Resources for Health Strategy 2012/2013–2016/2017:10).…”