DEVELOPING APPROPRIATE LEADERSHIP STYLES FOR SMES IN ZIMBABWE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM BULAWAYO'S CENTRAL BUSINESS AREA

Abstract

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play an important role in the sustainable development of developing countries. However, in Zimbabwe, SMEs suffer from high failure rates. Lack of managerial skills and inappropriate leadership styles have been identified as major reasons for this high rate. This study aims to identify the predominant leadership styles used by SMEs in Zimbabwe, particularly in Bulawayo’s Central Business Area. A quantitative research design was used, with a survey strategy conducted through the use of a questionnaire. The study’s population comprised all non-managerial employees, supervisors, managers, and owner-managers of SMEs. The findings showed that the majority of the respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the eleven statements presented to them, indicating inappropriate leadership styles. However, non-managerial and supervisory respondents had differing views from managers and owner-managers when it came to whether leaders were motivating and inspiring employees. The majority of non-managers and supervisory respondents believed that leaders were not motivating and inspiring their employees, while the majority of managers and owner-managers thought otherwise. The study emphasizes the need for appropriate leadership styles in Zimbabwean SMEs to improve their success rates. The use of transformational leadership styles that inspire and motivate employees is recommended.