Investigation into the effectiveness of leadership styles in the performance and retention of millennials

Abstract

This research study covers a topic crucial to the future of Company X. It relates to the millennial generation, those people born between the years 1981-1996. The study investigates the effectiveness of leadership styles in the performance and retention of millennials at a South African company. Company X is a power management manufacturing company which produces and provides energy-efficient solutions and services. The problems currently being faced are early resignations as well as the poor performance of millennials in this company. Millennials in the company are frequently required to develop mediocre leadership which results in poor performance and eventual resignation from the organisation. employees need to be re-trained and the entire process is time-consuming. This study is qualitative and descriptive in nature and utilises case studies to conduct the inductive investigation. Data was collected by employing one-on-one structured interviews with a total of eight participants representing Company X's millennials. Non-probability sampling was used to be interviewed. The outcomes of this study concluded that a mixture of coaching, commanding and visionary styles of leadership is practised by millennial managers at Company X. The majority of the participants believed that their managers were effective leaders who displayed appropriate leadership styles. For millennial performance and retention to be improved, the study recommends that managers build stronger relationships, display respect and ethical leadership, enhance their leadership skills, improve communication amongst the team and provide clear objectives. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge and can be used to provide insight into millennial performance and retention on a diverse and global level.

To cite: Appanah, С.N. & Pillay, A.S. (2020). Investigation into the effectiveness of leadership styles in the performance and retention of millennials. Journal of Management & Administration (2020/1), 1–23. https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC-1d9ff76b81