Towards a transformational change leadership framework for implementing Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment in South African businesses

M.Phil. (Human Resource Management)Abstract: Post-apartheid South Africa is characterised by enduring inequality, poor economic growth, high unemployment, poverty, poor education, and a lack of skills. To redress the social, political, and economic inequalities of the past, government enacted various transformational statutes. The Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Act was promulgated to enable transformation to an inclusive economy. The process of transformation necessitates thoughtful, managed change. However, the implementation of Broad-based Black Economic empowerment has often been compliance-driven, and did not result in sustained transformation. The purpose of this study was to establish whether a transformational change leadership framework could be used for the effective implementation of Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment, and to what extent Kotter’s Eight-step Change Leadership Model could be applied. A qualitative case study research design was used, with a constructivist research philosophy. Data were collected through five semi-structured interviews and the review of companies’ integrated annual reports. Thematic analysis was used deductively to identify, organise, compare, and describe themes under the headings of Kotter’s eight steps and other transformational change management model phases. The study established that Kotter’s Model could be applied in the implementation of transformation. Conceptually, it emerged that a transformational change leadership framework for the implementation of Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment..