The influence of servant leadership on organisational health in the agricultural sector

Abstract

Organisations today are in desperate need of well-balanced leaders who are capable and innovative in order to be healthy, maintain their momentum, productivity and competitive advantage in a rapidly changing global environment. This research study was conducted with the aim to establish the influence of servant leadership on organisational health in the agricultural sector within South Africa. The primary data for the study was obtained through a non-experimental, cross-sectional design at a single time dimension. Convenience sampling as a form of non-probability sampling was used in the research study to ensuring a definite, systematic sampling method being adopted. A measurement tool in which to examine influence of servant leadership on organisational health is a research survey. A questionnaire to assess the two variables of servant leadership and organisational health was specifically designed for the study by the researcher in order to obtain inclusive information regarding the perception, view and conceptualisation of these variables of employees within the chosen organisation. 237 Respondents were invited to complete the manual survey questionnaire on servant leadership and organisational health, The sample size attained for the purpose of this study was 82 respondents (N=237; n=82), a 34.6% response rate was achieved The research data was analysed through descriptive statistics, effect sizes and correlation coefficients. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was applied to assess the reliability of the construct variables measured in this research. After Spearman's correlation between the dimensions of servant leadership and organisational health was done, it was concluded that a significant positive relationship between the perception of servant leadership and measure of organisational health does exist. The main limitation of this study was the use of the convenience sampling method. Generalisation of results can therefore not be made as the results of a convenience sample are only applicable to that target respondents and not to all employees of the organisation. The organisation have to advance their leaders through leadership development programmes. The study also recommends that the organisation launches an awareness campaign to promote and getting the employees engaged with regards to the five identified aspects of organizational health. The study concluded with the recommendation that the construct of organisational health and its influence on organisational outcomes such as performance, triple bottom line and competitive advantage should be considered in further research studies as there is still not enough evidence on the construct, which is organisational health