Original Research

The perceived influence of Christian leadership competencies during COVID-19

Martie Bleeker, Emmerentia N. Barkhuizen, Roslyn de Braine
South African Journal of Business Management | Vol 55, No 1 | a4537 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/sajbm.v55i1.4537 | © 2024 Martie Bleeker, Emmerentia N. Barkhuizen, Roslyn de Braine | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 23 February 2024 | Published: 31 July 2024

About the author(s)

Martie Bleeker, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Emmerentia N. Barkhuizen, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Roslyn de Braine, Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: Surviving the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic required much of leaders. It highlighted the complexities of faith in the workplace. Christian business leaders drew on their faith to influence employees’ work intentions and behaviours through specific leadership competencies. This study aimed to gain insights into the leadership competencies of Christian leaders during COVID-19 and its perceived influence on colleagues’ values and workplace behaviour through the leaders’ integration of faith and work.

Design/methodology/approach: The study used a qualitative, grounded theory approach with semi-structured interviews to collect data. Participants (N = 14) were full-time Christian leaders selected through purposeful, convenient, and snowball sampling.

Findings/results: The findings indicated that Christian business leaders exhibited distinctive leadership competencies attributed to their faith. These competencies allowed them to express their beliefs to co-workers in ways that surpassed verbal communication.

Practical implications: Organisations should consider implementing leadership development programmes focusing on integrating faith and values into leadership practices. Providing Christian leaders with tools and resources to align their leadership approach with their spiritual beliefs can enhance their ability to create a positive and ethical workplace culture.

Contribution/value-add: Although no study has directly explored religion’s role in dealing with pandemics, understanding the impact of beliefs such as Christian religiosity on work can complement management and organisational practices. The findings contribute to leadership studies by laying the groundwork for future investigation into the role of faith integration in leadership behaviours and outcomes.


Keywords

leadership; leadership competencies; Christian religiosity; faith-work integration; work attitudes and values; influence

JEL Codes

J24: Human Capital • Skills • Occupational Choice • Labor Productivity

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Metrics

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