PhD in Management for Young Academic

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A thesis titled: The Perceived Impact of Management Styles on Employee Job Satisfaction and Organisational Commitment: A Case Study of Hulamin, Pietermaritzburg earned Dr Mbalenhle Nxumalo a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

Nxumalo recalls how she once left a job she loved because of her boss’s management style. Hence, as a management expert, her quantitative study investigated the impact of management styles on employee job satisfaction and organisational commitment. The findings revealed that not all management styles have a significant relationship with job satisfaction and organisational commitment.

Nxumalo’s study will contribute to contemporary research on the determinants of employee job satisfaction and organisational commitment and will act as a guide for policy re-adjustments in organisations.

The graduate is preparing to share the findings of her study with the leadership of Hulamin as she believes that the recommendations will assist managers in choosing the best management styles that could result in staff retention, increase productivity, and profits.

Born and bred in the small town of Nkandla, north of KwaZulu-Natal, Nxumalo said pursuing doctoral studies was a no-brainer as she has been passionate about education and transferring knowledge from a young age. ‘I am inspired by young Black women who are in leadership positions despite all the barriers that prevent them from getting into management positions and young people who are hungry for success.’

In her quest to share knowledge, Nxumalo works as a part-time lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, an external academic at MANCOSA, and as an online tutor at Rosebank College. She is currently working with her supervisor, Dr Vangeli Gamede, on converting parts of the thesis into articles for publication in reputable academic journals.

Proud of her achievement, she said: ‘It still feels surreal. I still wake up at midnight and confirm if I was not dreaming. I am grateful to God.’

Words: Hazel Langa

Photograph: Abhi Indrarajan