RELATIONAL LEADERSHIP: AN IMPERATIVE FOR SHARED ORGANIZATIONAL REALITIES AND INTEGRATION

Abstract

Organizational integration is critical to the survival and effectiveness of organizations. The
challenge of integration lies however in the manifestations of functional disparity, lack of
communication and disharmony evident in the relationships expressed between the various
components, levels, groups and units of the organization. In addressing these issues, this paper
identified relational leadership as imperative in the strengthening of workplace social ties, trust
and collaboration. This follows the adopted theoretical premise of social reciprocity emphasized
by the social exchange theory, highlighting behaviour as a consequence of experience,
expectations and treatment from others within a given social context. The paper is designed to
be theoretical and its position is based on a review of literature. An assessment of the concept
of relational leadership suggests that it aligns with the contingency of current concerns of
change, people orientation and the role of relationships in strengthening organizational networks,
efficiency and effectiveness. In conclusion, it was affirmed that relational leadership enables a
more cooperative, supportive and cohesive workplace that facilitates and positively influences
and advances outcomes of organizational integration