EBO, CHINWE RACHAEL (2026) The Moderating Role of Directive vs. Adaptive Leadership Styles in overcoming Geopolitical Supply Risks For Rare Earth Elements in UK Supply Chains. Masters thesis, York St John University.

Text (THE MODERATING ROLE OF DIRECTIVE VS. ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP STYLES IN OVERCOMING GEOPOLITICAL SUPPLY RISKS FOR RARE EARTH ELEMENTS IN UK SUPPLY CHAINS BY EBO CHINWE RACHAEL) 76178_CHINWE_RACHAEL_EBO_240222804_MRS7003R_2038888_716081951.docx - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (241kB)

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical constituents for renewable energy, electronics, defense, and higher-level manufacturing. However, increasing geopolitical tensions, export restrictions, and the concentration of global REE supply have heightened concerns regarding supply security and continuity. This study assesses the moderating role of directive and adaptive leadership in overcoming geopolitical supply risks and enhancing organizational resilience and supply chain performance in REE-dependent organizations.

Aim: The study investigated the effects of geopolitical supply risk exposure on organizational resilience and supply chain performance while assessing how directive and adaptive leadership styles contribute to mitigating these risks.
Methods: A quantitative research approach was adopted with the use of structured questionnaire administered to professionals working in REE-dependent sectors. Of the 120 questionnaires distributed, 90 valid responses were analyzed. Data were analyzed with the use of descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, ordinary least squares regression, and mediation and moderation analyses.

Findings: The results showed that geopolitical supply risk exposure did not significantly affect organizational resilience but had significant and negative effect on supply chain performance (β = –0.237, p < .05). Both directive leadership (β = 0.215, p < .05) and adaptive leadership (β = 0.469, p < .001) positively influenced organizational resilience, with adaptive leadership demonstrating the stronger effect. Organizational resilience also positively influenced supply chain performance (β = 0.402, p < .001). In the combined model, adaptive leadership remained the strongest amongst others predictor of organizational resilience (β = 0.356, p < .001).

Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that adaptive leadership and organizational resilience are critical for mitigating the adversarial effects of geopolitical supply risks and sustaining supply chain performance in REE-dependent organizations. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the leadership resilience relationship in context of critical mineral supply chains and offers practical guidance for managers and policymakers with intensions of strengthen supply chain resilience and preparedness along with increasing geopolitical uncertainty.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Status:	Published
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > HC Economic History and Conditions H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD61 Risk Management
School/Department:	London Campus
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/15869

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