Shaping the future of organisational change through effective leadership : a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate

Abstract

In recent times, organisations have always been controlled by changes; hence, their ability to respond positively to changing expectations and increased pressure is vital. Changes in the environment compel organisations to change. Effective leadership is critical during organisational change as leaders are central in the change management process. Therefore, this study examined the role of leadership in change management in the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate. An exploratory and qualitative research design was adopted for this study. An exploratory research design is used when the researcher intends to investigate a problem that is not clearly defined. A purposive sampling research approach was used to select a sample of 28 participants: 3 senior managers, 3 middle managers, 4 junior managers, 4 supervisors, 4 field supervisors, and 10 traffic officers of the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate in Empangeni (Region 1) and Ladysmith (Region 2) regions. Interviews were conducted face-to-face, generating electronic voice recordings for transcription and analysis, ensuring data integrity. The interviews' data were transcribed word-for-word and subjected to thematic analysis. The transcriptions were imported into NVivo 12 for analysis, organising the coded data into subthemes aligned with the research questions from the interview guide. Twelve themes and various subthemes were uncovered as part of the findings of the study. The examination of various themes related to organisational change within the KwaZulu-Natal Road Traffic Inspectorate (KZN RTI) has provided valuable insights into the complex dynamics surrounding change initiatives. Throughout the analysis, several key findings have emerged, shedding light on the challenges, opportunities, and recommendations for enhancing organisational effectiveness through successful change management. First and foremost, the dynamic nature of organisational culture within the KZN RTI underscores the importance of effective leadership, positive management practices, and strategic human resource management in navigating cultural shifts. The multifaceted rationales for change, including managerial appointments, technological advancements, and negative management attitudes, highlight the need for balanced approaches to ensure organisational resilience and competitiveness. Therefore, the management of the KwaZulu-Natal Transport Inspectorate needs to institute operational change management to control the application of governance strategies and processes for the successful delivery of an excellent and effective infrastructure