Exploring the role of transformational leadership in overcoming post-coronavirus challenges and building resilience in tourism SMMEs in eThekwini Municipality.

Abstract

This study explores the role of transformational leadership in overcoming postcoronavirus challenges and building resilience in tourism SMMEs in eThekwini Municipality. It aims to understand the role of transformational leadership and resilience in navigating these challenges, focusing on how leadership styles can empower diverse workforce groups and foster organisational resilience. Using a qualitative approach, the research incorporated demographic insights through semistructured interviews with eighteen participants who included SMME leaders, managers, and employees who were purposively sampled. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse interview transcripts and document data. The findings revealed that demographic diversity, structural inequities, and a competitive digital landscape significantly impact SMMEs' operations. The study highlights that adaptive leadership is crucial for empowering teams and enabling them to withstand external pressures, emphasising the importance of tailored support mechanisms for diverse employee needs. Thus, this study recommends that policymakers should enhance financial support for tourism SMMEs. SMME leaders are encouraged to adopt transformational leadership practices that foster adaptability and team cohesion, promote resilience through community partnerships, and implement tailored communication strategies for their diverse workforce. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of digital transformation, the role of inclusive policy frameworks for black-led SMMEs and longitudinal studies to evaluate the effectiveness of resilience-building measures.