Leadership Competencies in Action. Fuelling Organizational Innovation and Performance

Resumen o Introducción

This paper sets out to explore the integral role of leadership competencies in driving organisational innovations and enhancing overall performance. It establishes the notion that contemporary leadership has significantly evolved from its traditional form that emphasized strict rules and control over subordinates, to an approach that encourages and values new ideas, innovations, and performance. Today's competitive market conditions and growing customer expectations mandate an affirmative management style, necessitating leaders to inspire and harness the innovative potential of their teams while working towards a common goal.

The research focuses on the significance of effective leadership methods, appropriate techniques, and their successful implementation in professional environments, particularly within the context of research and development departments where innovation is critical for company growth and profitability. Through a careful blend of literature review and a mixed-method approach, this study aims to provide a comprehensive view of the landscape of leadership competences within organisations and determine the competencies that significantly contribute to promoting innovation and overall performance.

In conducting this study, the leadership competencies of higher management in an anonymised, medium-sized, service-oriented company, referred to as company XYZ, will be assessed using the KODE® personality tests. The overarching aim is to draw a connection between leadership competencies and innovation, thereby forming a strong foundation for future, large-scale research work. Ultimately, this paper seeks to aid leaders and policymakers in improving development programs, recruitment policies, and organisational practices, while also contributing valuable insights to the current discourse on the competencies required for leaders to successfully boost innovation and performance within organisations.