Developing a leadership and governance framework for operational excellence in decorative paint production: a case of Nash Paints Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study focused on the development of a leadership and governance framework for achieving operational excellence in decorative paint production, with particular reference to Nash Paints Zimbabwe. The study examined the existing leadership structures and governance mechanisms within the organisation and assessed the extent to which they contribute to operational excellence. Specific attention was given to the roles and responsibilities of leadership, decision-making processes, accountability, communication, organisational controls and performance monitoring. Furthermore, it investigated the challenges associated with the current leadership and governance arrangements and how these challenges affect production efficiency, quality, resource utilisation, employee performance and continuous improvement. The identification of these challenges provided the basis for developing a framework capable of addressing the existing gaps and strengthening operational performance. A mixed-methods research design was adopted to obtain both quantitative and qualitative evidence. The study targeted 80 potential participants, of whom 68 participated, resulting in an 85% response rate. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained through an interview guide. The combination of these methods enabled the study to obtain measurable evidence while also capturing participants' experiences, perceptions, and views concerning leadership, governance, and operational excellence. The findings provided a comprehensive understanding of the current leadership structures and governance mechanisms at Nash Paints and highlighted areas requiring improvement. The results indicated the importance of strengthening leadership accountability, communication, decision-making, employee involvement, governance controls, and performance monitoring to support sustainable operational excellence. Based on the findings, a leadership and governance framework was developed to address the identified challenges within Nash Paints. The proposed framework provides a structured approach for aligning leadership responsibilities, governance mechanisms, accountability systems, and performance-monitoring processes with the organisation's operational objectives. It is intended to promote efficiency, effective decision-making, employee engagement, continuous improvement and sustainable organisational performance. The framework also recognises the need for leadership and governance to operate as complementary mechanisms rather than as separate organisational functions.