The role of a leader in shaping employee behaviour in the VUCA/BANI world

Abstract

The challenges of the turbulent VUCA/BANI world, faced by modern organisations, have led to a different perception of the role of a leadership. An organisation is often able to overcome difficulties owing to a leader who does not only make strategic decisions, but also supports employees. The aim of this article is to identify the role of a leader in shaping employee behaviour in companies in the VUCA/BANI era. The leadership competencies necessary in crisis situations were identified thanks to an analysis of the literature on the subject. Then it was examined how they influence the attitudes and behaviour of contemporary employees. The authors of the study also diagnosed the characteristics and behaviour of leaders shaping both positive and negative attitudes as well as approaches of employees. Furthermore, the relationship between a leadership style and employee commitment was identified, and the dominant communication style in the supervisor-subordinate relationship in situations of uncertainty and threat was determined. In addition, the authors identified the actions taken by leaders who prioritise the development of their team. The research is an attempt to answer the following question: what concept of leadership and what leadership opportunities and threats are present in contemporary organisations? The study used a diagnostic survey method. At the first stage of the research the questionnaire was filled in by employees of enterprises from various industries. The responses were then supplemented with the information gathered during in-depth interviews with managers of the selected organisations and further empirical analyses were conducted. The research confirmed that leaders play a key role in shaping positive behaviour of their subordinates in the VUCA/BANI era, thanks to their attitude, commitment and a proper leadership style. The uncertainty of tomorrow as well as the complexity and instability of organisations constitute a test of leadership. In case of a crisis good leaders seek opportunities for themselves and their organisations, demonstrate creativity, take care of their own and their subordinates’ development, set ambitious goals, are resilient to stress, empathetic and able to respond to changing conditions and needs of employees immediately. The presented results may contribute to the popularisation of knowledge about leadership in the VUCA/BANI era, enrich the literature on the subject with practical issues concerning the formation of positive employee behaviour as well as contribute to further research on this issue. Keywords: leader competencies, leadership, organisational behaviour, VUCA and BANI world, management style