Leadership development and diversity in JSE-listed companies

The study sought to reveal and analyze the causes for the lack of advancement of black talent in Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)-listed companies, including how they can be dealt with. The research further examined the impact of leadership development on the acceleration of black talent at executive levels within the JSE-listed companies in South Africa. A qualitative research approach was employed. This was an exploratory study. This paradigm was considered suitable in attempting to understand the problem situation. The study used purposive, non-probability sampling. The data were obtained from 16 semi-structured interviews conducted with different business leaders employed by or who served on the board of directors of a JSE-listed company. The respondents included board chairpersons, chief executives, executives, and human resources (HR) practitioners of different companies. Leadership development will require a transformational approach from leaders who need to sponsor such outcomes (Daft, 2018). The leadership development initiatives that the study recommends include the conversion of non-executives to executives, career sponsorships, stretch assignments and rotations, and executive assistant initiatives. The study outcomes provide practical guidance to companies for accelerating black talent to executive levels in JSE-listed companies by using the recommended leadership development initiatives