Exploring Collaborative Leadership Experiences of Leaders in Selected Insurance Companies in Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore collaborative leadership from the experiences of leaders in selected insurance companies in Kenya as contemporary workplaces and suggested enhancements to improve its effectiveness. The contention of the study is that collaborative leadership (CL) is increasingly recognised as an essential approach for effectively managing the complexities of dynamic environments and leveraging emerging opportunities in organisations. However, the lack of consensus in its theoretical underpinnings and conceptualisation poses significant challenges to its practical implementation. Adopting a qualitative research design, this study delved into the perspectives and experiences of 11 purposively selected leaders from 42 insurance companies in Kenya through in-depth interviews. Insights were gained into how these leaders perceive and apply CL within their respective organisational contexts. Thematic analysis of the data illuminated prevailing deficiencies in CL practices across the sampled workplaces. The findings elucidate that collaborative leadership is predominantly understood and practised through the lenses of collaboration, fostering relationships, and breaking silos. The study proposed measures such as cultivating authenticity, modelling appropriate behaviours, and strengthening top echelons' support as possible measures to bridge the deficiencies in collaborative leadership practice in insurance companies in Kenya. The proposed enhancements aim to align collaborative leadership theory with practice and deepen scholarly understanding and practical implementation within contemporary workplaces. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing development and application of collaborative leadership principles within contemporary organisational contexts, thereby fostering more effective and adaptive leadership practices in dynamic environments by bridging the gap between theory and practice. Acknowledging the limitations, the study suggests avenues for theoretical advancements and future research.