Original Research

Dynamic organisational capabilities: The role of authentic leadership and trust

Deon J. Kleynhans, Marita M. Heyns, Marius W. Stander
SA Journal of Industrial Psychology | Vol 47 | a1877 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v47i0.1877 | © 2021 Deon J. Kleynhans, Marita M. Heyns, Marius W. Stander | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 21 January 2021 | Published: 27 August 2021

About the author(s)

Deon J. Kleynhans, Optentia Research Focus Area, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; and, Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Economic Management Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
Marita M. Heyns, Optentia Research Focus Area, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
Marius W. Stander, Optentia Research Focus Area, Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa; and, Department of Industrial Psychology, Faculty of Economic Management Sciences, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa

Abstract

Orientation: The world of work has become unstable and precarious, thereby accentuating the need to maintain dynamic capabilities such as sensing, seizing and reconfiguring to adapt and thrive. Associated challenges potentially threaten the well-functioning of organisations and their employees. This problem might be alleviated by encouraging the leaders to be more authentic, resulting in various positive outcomes.

Research purpose: The aim of the study was to assess the associations authentic leadership (AL) have with trust in organisation (TO), trust in colleagues (TC) and dynamic organisational capabilities (DC) such as sensing, seizing and reconfiguring as these manifest within a context of extreme volatility.

Motivation for the study: Having a high level of DC might contribute to the feasibility of successful organisations in the struggling manufacturing industry, as it could enhance their sustainability and competitiveness.

Research approach/design and method: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was used. The Authentic Leadership Inventory, Workplace Trust Survey and Dynamic Capabilities questionnaire were administered.

Main findings: AL positively associates with TO, TC and DC. The direct effect of AL on DC was further enhanced through both TO and TC as underlying mechanisms.

Practical/managerial implications: Manufacturing industry organisations should promote an AL style as it will contribute to higher levels of TO, TC and eventually improved DC.

Contribution/value-add: Our study highlights the association of AL with DC as an important outcome. Insight into the underlying mechanisms by which AL achieves effect is advanced through trust, simultaneously targeting interpersonal as well as organisational levels as foci.


Keywords

authentic leadership; trust in the organisation; trust amongst colleagues; dynamic organisational capabilities; sensing; seizing; reconfiguring

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Crossref Citations

1. Authentic leadership and flourishing: Do trust in the organization and organizational support matter during times of uncertainty?
Deon J. Kleynhans, Marita M. Heyns, Marius W. Stander
Frontiers in Psychology  vol: 13  year: 2022  
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.955300