THE SITE OF PURGATORY: MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP STYLES AND ITS IMPACT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AT A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS

Abstract

The study evaluates the management leadership styles and its impact on employee performance at a family owned business in Kwan-Zulu Natal, South Africa. The management team of the enterprise consists of four managers who are all family members. The target population selected for this study consisted of the universe (forty-two employees). The quantitative approach with a forced-choice survey questionnaire was used to gather appropriate quantifiable data to answer the research questions. Results of employees’ perceptions of management indicate that whilst the managers performed satisfactorily in terms of the financial success of the business, their management and leadership styles were seriously wanting and in this respect, the study recommends that every manager, including the owner of the business should be trained or retrained to deal with the exigencies of a modern family-run business. Failure to do so could seriously threaten the financial viability and overall sustainability of the family enterprise.