Leadership styles that promote innovation performance among engineers during the energy transition in South Africa

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between leadership styles and innovation performance among engineers within the energy transition sector in South Africa, focusing specifically on sensing capabilities, seizing capabilities, transforming capabilities, and learning capabilities as core variables. The research is grounded in the context of the global shift toward renewable energy and the increasing pressures on organizations to innovate amidst evolving technological landscapes. The study aims to explore how various leadership styles—transformational, transactional, and participative—can foster the dynamic capabilities of engineers to enhance innovation performance within this rapidly changing environment. Using a quantitative research methodology, data were collected via surveys from a sample of engineers actively working in the South African renewable energy sector. Factor analysis, reliability testing, and other quantitative methods, including tests for normality and multicollinearity, were employed to ensure robust data analysis. Key insights into the role of leadership in fostering innovation within the energy transition sector were uncovered, revealing the critical importance of leadership in nurturing organizational capabilities necessary for innovation. The findings suggest that leadership styles promoting learning and adaptability, such as transformational leadership, are particularly effective in driving innovation performance. Moreover, the study demonstrates the interconnectedness of the sensing, seizing, transforming, and knowledge-sharing capabilities within engineering teams, particularly in the context of rapid technological changes, regulatory demands, and sustainability goals in South Africa’s energy landscape. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on leadership and innovation within the energy sector and offers actionable recommendations for industry leaders aiming to optimize their teams' performance during the energy transition. It highlights the need for leadership strategies that not only address current challenges but also prepare organizations for future innovations. In addition to providing insights into how leadership styles can enhance innovation performance, the thesis identifies areas for future research, including the exploration of leadership's influence on long-term innovation outcomes and how leadership can further support the energy transition’s sustainability objectives. The study also considers the ethical implications of leadership decisions in the context of engineering projects, particularly in relation to environmental and social impacts.