Mixed-methods design
Pragmatic explanatory sequential design: quantitative survey first, then qualitative interviews to explain and deepen the findings.
Research & validation
Evidence that the model holds.
Super-Cube® was developed and tested through a pragmatic explanatory sequential mixed-methods design—quantitative structure first, qualitative depth second—within an African FMCG business-network.
Methodology
Pragmatic. Sequential. Practice-oriented.
The research prioritised practical utility and real-world applicability—testing whether the six-construct structure fits observed leadership reality.
132 survey respondents
Online survey of Kwaden Group employees tested structural validity and reliability across the six constructs.
Acceptable model fit
Confirmatory factor analysis: CMIN/DF 2.232, CFI 0.86, RMSEA 0.097—collectively indicating acceptable structural fit.
10 senior interviews
Thematic analysis of decision-maker interviews validated all six constructs in lived leadership practice.
Intervention outcomes
Measurable growth across every face.
Average improvement following Super-Cube® development interventions—pre- to post-assessment gains by construct.
Overall improvement
Across all six Super-Cube® constructs
+32.2%
Choices
+26.6%
Principles
+45.1%
Mental
+29.7%
Emotional
+39.5%
Physical
+27.7%
Spiritual
+24.6%
Gains reflect average percentage improvement following Super-Cube® development interventions (pre- to post-assessment). Highest gains: Principles (+45.1%) and Emotional (+39.5%).
Structural validation
Acceptable model fit. Adequate reliability.
Confirmatory factor analysis on survey data from 132 employees assessed overall fit of the Super-Cube® structure.
2.232
CMIN/DF
Within common SEM thresholds
0.86
CFI
Comparative Fit Index
0.097
RMSEA
Root mean square error of approx.
0.60–0.80
Cronbach’s α
Internal consistency across constructs
Fit indices collectively suggest acceptable model fit based on established thresholds in structural equation modelling. Reliability coefficients indicate adequate to good internal consistency for the study sample.
Qualitative findings
What senior leaders emphasised.
Face-to-face semi-structured interviews with 10 key decision-makers (Nov 2018–Feb 2019) were analysed using inductive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke).
Mental
31%
Emotional
29%
Principles
18%
Spiritual
12%
Choices
9%
Physical
1%
Mental (31%) and Emotional (29%) together accounted for roughly 60% of construct-related qualitative content—underscoring cognitive and relational demands in practice. Principles (18%), Spiritual (12%), Choices (9%), and Physical (1%) also appeared as meaningful themes.
Participants expressed unanimous support for multilevel leadership development—from individual to organisational and network levels—with recommendations for inclusive approaches that can extend to suppliers and customers for a broader ripple effect.
Limitations
Honest about scope.
The model was developed and validated within a single-case study of one African FMCG business-network. Findings are context-specific and should not be over-generalised without further testing.
Wider industry replication—across organisations, regions, and sectors facing comparable challenges—is recommended to assess robustness and refine the six constructs for broader continental and emerging-market use.
Significance
Africa-centric and practice-ready.
Super-Cube® stands as one of the first empirically validated leadership development frameworks tailored to African FMCG complexity—bridging Western-dominant theory and local organisational reality.
By emphasising human-centric constructs and the developable nature of leadership (estimated at 70–76% through practice), it offers a credible, context-sensitive alternative for organisations building capacity at scale.
Primary sources
Where to go deeper.
A Leadership Skills Development Model for the Kwaden Group: A Case Study of an African FMCG Business-Network
Craig Ross Muller · DBA thesis · University of KwaZulu-Natal · 2020
A proposed leadership skills development model for African FMCG business-networks: Super-Cube®
Published scholarship (SAJEMS / related research outputs)
Public summaries of the model are also available via scholarly repositories and reference encyclopaedias such as Grokipedia.
Next step
Build leadership capacity from the centre outward.
Whether you are designing a personal development plan or a multi-level organisational programme, Super-Cube® provides a human-centric, evidence-informed path.