Strategic leadership in post-conflict states: A study of The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Abstract

The research examines the impact of strategic leadership in post-conflict states. This was achieved by comparing different leadership styles with the performance of the post-conflict state to identify which leadership style fits best with specific performance indicators in The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The study explores the qualitative methodology to assess the impact of strategic leadership in post-conflict states through an explanatory view using an interpretive approach, participant contributions, direct observations, documents, and interviews. Data were analyzed using NVivo data analysis software. The research discovered leadership deficiency at all levels of society. The leadership lacks some essential characteristics to guarantee the well-being of the people. The study also observed an inadequate commitment to support the vision. Also, the mismanagement of country natural resources often causes insecurity and triggers the creation of many armed groups to exploit the resources illegally. The study, therefore, recommended strong committed leadership, the political will, and stable state institutions. One needs a committed leadership to set the vision which can make a change in people's lives, and we can gain the milestones and eventually achieve the vision with the support of the political will and stable state institutions. The study contributes to knowledge by developing a much more user-friendly formula that summarizes the strategic, leadership needed in post-conflict states.