Strong leadership key ingredient for a more competitive South Africa

Issued by Gordon Institute of Business Science

4 Aug 2016

Today's leadership requires an in-depth understanding that South Africa's destiny as an emerging market economy is linked to leadership capabilities. The economic challenges we face as well as the untapped opportunities require a higher level of energy and a new set of insights from leaders. With the country battling in a low-growth trap, the need to develop strong managers and leaders who are prepared to deal with complexities in this uncertain terrain has become more urgent. The role of good leadership and management is a key ingredient for sustainable economic prosperity and growth in any country.

The Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) is committed to preparing current and future business leaders who are ready to make both a social and economic impact and lead the country forward. Consistently rated as one of the top business schools in South Africa and Africa, GIBS is passionate about providing business education that is relevant to the times we live in and to building the competence of managers and leaders through the provision of business education that improves competitive performance.

According to GIBS Director of Academic Programmes, Tanya van Lill, “We are living in tough times, and the need to acutely improve leadership and management capabilities and to help create more ambitious, resilient organisations has become more urgent. The country needs leaders who are able to respond to the current economic slump and tackle challenges head-on, whilst thinking about the future.”

From SMMEs to large multi-nationals, the need to improve leadership and management skills at all levels is key for growth – strong and capable leaders with an innate ability to exploit new business opportunities and improve business efficiency. With the understanding that executive leadership is critical for organisational acceleration, it goes without saying that it is therefore essential that business schools and businesses collaborate to create executive education programmes which will equip managers with the right skills and tools to flourish and lead organisations into the future. The Masters in Business Administration (MBA) programme which is well established globally and classified as a premier degree is one such intervention that combines business management skills

The programme fulfils a company’s needs to develop general management skills in successful specialists who have progressed to management roles. Such general management skills are particularly critical in a dynamic economy such as South Africa. “GIBS supports a balanced MBA that focuses both on administration and leadership. The South Africa economy is in the doldrums, there is the need for bold decision makers in companies who will be able to lead effectively and efficiently in the long run.”

Applications for the GIBS 2017 MBA intake are currently open and will close on 1 November 2016, email az.oc.sbig@snoissimda for further information.

(GIBS) has been built around its intent to significantly improve responsible individual and organisational performance, through high-quality business and management education.