Effects of leadership accountability on commitment and engagement within the various sectors of the South African economy

Myriad research studies across the spectrum continue to emphasize one common goal, namely, sustained desired performance/results. Such an outcome is dependent on employees’ commitment and engagement among others and is a function of astute leadership. This study aimed to contribute empirically to an understanding of and determine the effect of leadership on organizational commitment and engagement among the workforce, especially during and post-crisis. The study adopted a deductive i.e., quantitative research approach, that is descriptive in nature. It used a cross-sectional survey research design in a five-point Likert scale to randomly collect data from 220 dispatched questionnaires to participants across various sectors of the economy in the Free State Province. A total of 181 questionnaires were collected for data analysis, yielding a response rate of 82%. The standard multiple regression analysis (MRA) and interpretation were conducted to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The MRA results reveal that both leadership (?= 0.332) and ownership/accountability (?= 0.346) have a positive and statistically significant (p-values <0.05) impact on organisational commitment/engagement. Leadership and ownership/accountability reflect a significant power of predictability towards organisational commitment/engagement (F = 44.106; R2= 0.361; p<0.05) of the respondents. To ensure sustained exceptional performance, advocating for a servant-leadership culture, and being fearless of being led, will most likely inspire confidence, engagement and commitment among the workforce. The study provides empirical evidence of the positive effect of leadership on commitment and engagement, confirming that these independent variables are predictors of the dependent variables namely, employee commitment and engagement.