Exploring the relationship between leadership and organisational culture

Abstract

This research explores the relationship between leadership and organisational culture in an organisation. Organisational culture is often an important factor influencing the competitive strength of an organisation. Leadership is also a critical component in the success of an organisation. It is important to understand how these two powerful determinants of organisational performance affect each other. Research determining that specific types of organisational culture favour particular styles of leadership is important as it aids organisational leaders to identify which styles of leadership are more likely to be successful in their culture. In the organisational culture, leadership deals with creating a clearly articulated vision and possessing the skills and the resolve to recruit and develop followers who are committed to carrying out the vision. Having the ability to see the bigger picture and maintaining a balance between high–level strategies and front–line tactics. Inherent to the organisational culture are many values as task–related and relational values that deal with people as individuals and as organisation members. Leaders act as builders, as maintainers, and as watchdogs of organisational culture and values per se (as cited in Bass, 1990: 586–588). Organisational success in achieving its goals and objectives depends on the leaders of the organisation and their leadership styles. By adopting the appropriate leadership styles, leaders can affect employee job satisfaction, commitment and productivity The results of this research indicate that there is a significant relationship between specific types of organisational cultures and leadership styles. Leadership orientation and organisational culture dimensions proved to be significant predictors of job satisfaction, organisational commitment and intention to quit. The research concludes with a number of implications and recommendations for theory and practice.