Michael Hough, Wesley Reginald Pieters
Abstract
Leadership remains to be a critical factor in organisational success, employee job attitudes and productivity. The role that leaders execute is influenced by the type of followers but also by the situation in which the leader functions. Considering the increased pressure on the Namibian healthcare system, effective leadership is needed to direct and energise healthcare professions to deliver excellent quality services. This study made use of a quantitative research design, utilising a questionnaire (survey research) to assess leadership, job satisfaction and work engagement amongst healthcare professionals in the Khomas region, Namibia. Transformational leadership improved job satisfaction and work engagement. Laisses-faire leadership reported a positive relationship with job satisfaction and a negative relationship with work engagement. This study recommends the implementation of transformational leadership training, integrated leadership and self-leadership amongst healthcare professionals. Future studies may consider making use of a qualitative research design or longitudinal design. This study adds to the understanding of leadership and contributes to the literature within Namibia and the healthcare industry.