Description

The problem addressed in this study centred on the National Union of Mineworker’s (NUM) failure to achieve its major objective of increasing its membership. Trade union leadership plays an important role in increasing the membership of their trade unions. NUM has experienced a significant decline in membership, and some members are of the view that the union does not address their needs adequately. This study aimed at exploring the impact of leadership on the organisational performance of NUM considering these critical issues, providing insights and justification for potential interventions to strengthen the union and safeguard the well-being of its members in the mining industry. To achieve this aim, the study employed the quantitative approach. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 200 members of the NUM from two mines in the Free State province, specifically, Beatrix and Masimong. The study used stratified random sampling to ensure a representative sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that NUM members had favourable perceptions of the democratic leadership style, suggesting that respondents believed that the democratic leadership style should dominate in managing staff at the NUM. Furthermore, the study found that democratic leadership has a positive impact on organisational performance, whereas autocratic leadership has a negative impact. Laissez-faire leadership has no significant impact. Most importantly, concerning the primary objective of the study, agile leadership was found to have a significant positive impact on organisational performance in the context of the NUM. Based on these results, the study recommends that the NUM should consider adopting agile leadership principles to improve its organisational performance and membership retention. By embracing an agile leadership model, the NUM could better address the needs of its members and adapt to the dynamic challenges of the mining industry, ultimately ensuring the continued strength and relevance of the union.