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Dr Simon Michael Taylor

Dr Simon Taylor

Dr Simon Michael Taylor

Senior Lecturer, AL - Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration

Email
taylors@ukzn.ac.za

Biography

Dr. Simon Taylor is a distinguished academic and development practitioner with over 30 years of experience in higher education, social entrepreneurship, strategic governance, and leadership development. He currently serves at the Graduate School of Business and Leadership, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), where he lectures, supervises PhD/ DBA students, and leads impactful research on sustainable development, servant leadership, and local economic development. A dual graduate of Rhodes University and the University of Natal, Dr. Taylor holds a PhD in Management, M.Ed., and B.SocSci (Honours) with specializations in operations management, project management, and marketing. He has held prominent leadership roles in both academic and development sectors, including as Head of Teaching and Learning at Bloomsbury Institute (UK), Chief Examiner for the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa, and a key consultant for the EU–SA Financial Management Improvement Programme.

Dr. Taylor is widely published, with numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and international conference papers on themes such as social field theory, sustainability leadership, digital transformation in education, and aquaponics for food security. He has presented across Europe, USA, India, and Southern Africa, and is a recognized reviewer for Springer Nature and other international journals. His most impactful work includes leading UKZN’s award-winning Social Entrepreneurship Programme, designed to scale sustainability in SMEs, and supervising over 30 Master’s and Doctoral dissertations across diverse topics ranging from servant leadership to public procurement and 4IR adaptation strategies. With affiliations to the Chartered Institute of Management (UK) and the Institute of Leadership and Management (UK), Dr. Taylor bridges academic excellence with applied development, making him a strategic asset in advancing inclusive, ethical, and performance-driven public systems.

Academic Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy- Management (PhD), Rhodes University.
  • Master of Education (M. ED), Rhodes University.
  • Bachelor. Social Science (Honours), Operations Management, Project Management and Marketing, University of Natal.

Professional Qualification

Dr. Simon Taylor’s research is situated at the intersection of social entrepreneurship, servant leadership, sustainable development, and institutional governance in emerging economies. His scholarship examines how leadership practices and entrepreneurial actors navigate structurally unequal environments, drawing on Social Field Theory to analyse capital accumulation, legitimacy, and institutional power dynamics.

A central theme of his work is the development of contextually grounded models of social entrepreneurship that integrate ethical stewardship, sustainability, and performance discipline. Through his leadership of the UKZN Social Entrepreneurship Programme, his research has examined how capacity-building initiatives enable small and medium enterprises to scale social impact while maintaining financial viability.

His research extends to sustainability leadership in resource-intensive industries such as mining, food security through aquaponics systems, rural economic development, and governance reform in municipal systems. He has also contributed to debates on digital transformation in higher education, 4IR adaptation strategies, and the integration of servant leadership into institutional cultures.

Dr. Taylor supervises doctoral and master’s research across themes including sustainable enterprise, stakeholder governance, investment readiness, public procurement reform, women’s economic empowerment, tourism development, and infrastructure management. His work combines theoretical rigor with applied development practice, positioning leadership as both an ethical and structural intervention within complex systems.

Research Interests

  • Chartered Institute of Management (CIM) UK
  • The Institute of Leadership and Management (UK)
  • South African Council of Educators (1065286)
  • Senior fellow of the HEA- PR080589

Selected Publications

Conference PapersTaylor, S.M. (2025). How Social Entrepreneurs Learn: A Social Field Perspective from KwaZulu-Natal
  • Taylor, S.M, Gumede S. & Sibisi S. (2025) How Social Entrepreneurs accumulate and deploy capital in unequal settings.
  • Chinniah, N. Gerwel Proches, C, Taylor, S.M. (2025) From a manual to a system-guided process: implementing change in a fast-moving consumer goods logistics company
  • Nyathi, M. Taylor, S.M. & Gerwel Proches, C. (2025). Managing Stakeholder Complexities: A Model to Curb Project Cost Overruns in the South African Construction Industry
  • Ramphisa,P., Taylor, S & Gerwel Proches, C. (2025). A Social Field Perspective on Sustainability Leadership in the Mining Industry: An Empirical Study in South Africa.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2025) The Social Field of Servant Leadership Development: A Grounded Theory Perspective.
  • Reale, G. Taylor S.M. ( 2025) Institutional Barriers and Drivers to the Implementation of Biogas Micro-Digesters in Rural South Africa: A Case Study of Ndwedwe Municipality.
  • Taylor, S.M. & C. Durholz (2024). The perceived impact of leadership practices of academic leaders on student success in a higher education institution in South Africa.
  • Shandu, P.& Taylor, S.M. (2024). Leadership in the Post-Covid-19 work environment: Case study of Servant Leadership in an ICT company.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2023). Bayes Business School Conference, London. Social entrepreneurship capacity building in, South Africa: Impact assessment for business actors.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2023). South Entrepreneurship in Higher Education. Case study of UKZN, Graduate School of Business & Leadership. Higher Education Entrepreneurship Conference, University of Western Cape.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2022). The Green Economy: Beyond Mainstream Economics.2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference – Durban proceedings.
  • Singh U., Gerwel. C., Blewitt C., Taylor S., Leask, C. (2022). How SA university students have adapted to emergency online learning.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2019). Impact of Climate Change on Local Economic Development. KZN Climate Change Conference hosted by KwaZulu-Natal Premier Mr Sihle Zikalala and the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Ms Nomusa Dube-Ncube.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2017). Digital Technologies and Cognitive Development. University of London Research Workshop.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2016). Learning Analytics and Data Literacy in Higher Education 6th Teaching and Learning Conference London.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2016). The development of Servant Leadership. Case study of Hilton College, South Africa. Greenleaf Servant Leadership Conference, London.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2016). The use of e-books in Higher Education in the UK. Vital Source Education Conference.
Published Conference Proceedings
  • Taylor S.M. & C. Durholz (2024). The perceived impact of leadership practices of academic leaders on student success in a higher education institution in South Africa
  • Shandu,P.& Taylor S.M. (2024). Leadership in the Post-Covid-19 work environment: Case study of Servant Leadership in an ICT company
  • Ojugbele, H. & Taylor, S.M. (2021). An investigation of Non-Payment of Municipal Services in eThekwini Municipality: Causes and Remedies. Business Management Conference, UKZN, Durban, South Africa.
  • Ojugbele, H., Taylor, S.M, & Khumalo, M. (2021). Addressing infrastructural challenges to local economic development in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa: an investigation of the causes and impacts of projects overrun. 8th International Conference on Restructuring of the Global Economy. Oxford University.UK.
  • Mthethwa, N. & Taylor, S.M. (2021). Local Community involvement in Rural Tourism Development: A case study of Durban Green Corridor: Isithumba Route. 5th Business Management Conference, UKZN, Durban, South Africa.
  • Mncube, M. & Taylor S.M. (2021). The role of Future Farmers in Promoting Food Security through Sustainable Farming Practices. 5th Business Management Conference, UKZN, Durban, South Africa.
  • Adeleke B. A., Moodley G.K., Taylor S.M., & Robertson-Andersson D.V. (2020). Quantified SWOT analysis of major aquaculture species in South Africa. Aquaculture America, Honolulu, Hawaii, 9th – 12th February 2020, USA.
  • Mkhize, M., & Taylor, S.M. (2020). Optimum microclimate conditions in low-cost aquaponics. 18th International Entrepreneurship Forum(IEF) Conference. Sanskruti Bhavan, Goa India.
  • Mfaniseni, S & Taylor, S. M. (2020). Social and cultural dynamics of low-cost aquaponics systems in Kwa-Zulu-Natal. 18th International Entrepreneurship Forum(IEF) Conference. Sanskruti Bhavan, Goa India.
  • Phungula, M & Taylor, S.M. (2020). Financial viability of biomass produced in low-cost aquaponic systems in Ndwedwe. 18th International Entrepreneurship Forum(IEF) Conference. Sanskruti Bhavan, Goa India.
  • Ngcobo, Z., &Taylor, S.M. (2020). Cost of physical infrastructure for a low-cost aquaponics system for Kwa-Zulu-Natal. 18th International Entrepreneurship Forum (IEF) Conference. Sanskruti Bhavan, Goa India.
  • Mdlalose, M, & Taylor, S.M. (2020). Coastal regional development in South Africa through special economic zones. 3rd International Conference on Coastal Cities and their Sustainable Future. University of Rome. Italy.
  • Mdlalose, M, & Taylor, S.M. (2020). A review of urban-rural spatial modelling for development states; comparing experiences in China, India, and South Africa.; S.A Cities Network Conference, Johannesburg, South Africa.
  • Mdlalose, M, & Taylor, S.M. (2019). A review of urban-rural spatial modelling for development states; comparing experiences in China, India, and South Africa. 8th International Conference on Restructuring of the Global Economy. Oxford University.UK.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2017). Digital Technologies and Cognitive Development. University of London Research Workshop.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2016). Learning Analytics and Data Literacy in Higher Education 6th Teaching and Learning Conference London.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2016). The use of e-books in Higher Education in the UK. Vital Source Education Conference.
  • Taylor, S.M (2015). Servant Leadership in Higher Education, 5th Teaching & Learning Conference, London.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2013). Development of a philosophy and practice of servant leadership through service opportunity. 9th European Conference on Management Leadership and Governance, Alpen-Adria Universität, Klagenfurt, Austria.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2010). Creating a context for the development of servant leadership. International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Cambridge University.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2009). The application of Servant leadership in the corporate environment. International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, Athens University..
  • Taylor, S.M. (2008). The development of a personal philosophy and practice of servant leadership: A grounded theory study. South African Business Schools Association Annual Conference, NMMU, Port Elizabeth.
Published Book Chapters
  • Chinniah,N., Proches, C. N. Taylor, S.M. (2025 ) Developing capabilities for the workforce to embrace technological change at a logistics company in Durban South Africa.
  • Zahir,S., Proches,C.N. Taylor, S.M. & Kader,A. (2023). Design thinking as a strategic lever in promoting tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
  • Chinniah,N., Proches, C. N. Taylor, S.M. (2023) Developing capabilities for the workforce to embrace technological change at a logistics company in Durban South Africa.
  • Iwara, IO., Odularu, G. & Taylor, S.M. (2022) Enterprise Performance, Accountability and Rurality in South Africa. In, Odularu, G. Strengthening Accountable Systems for Enterprise and Development Planning. Palgrave Publishers.
  • Taylor, S.M.& Mthimkhulu, S.N. & Mpanza, S. (2021). The role of Local Economic Development Agencies and Non-Profit Organisations in Local Economic Development: South African Case Studies.
  • Singh U., Gerwel. C, Blewitt C., Taylor S., Leask, C. (2021). Transitioning to online learning during the covid-19 lockdown: Attitudes of Post Graduate students in Business Schools in South Africa.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2013). Creating sustainable organizations through servant leadership. In, Westover, J. (ed). Leadership and organizational change. Common Ground Publishing, Illinois, USA.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2012). Servant leadership in organizations. In, Avery, G and Hughes, B. (eds). Fresh thoughts in sustainable leadership. Tilde University Press, Australia.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2000). Cambridge IGCSE Business Studies, Cambridge University Press, (1st edition) 2000.
  • Taylor, S.M. (2005). Geography for Grade 12, Viva Africa, Cape Town, Taylor, S.M. (2004). GIS Teaching Resources, ESRI, Johannesburg

Additional Information

Completed Research Full Masters, MBA, DBA AND PHD

  • Women’s empowerment in the maritime economy: The Port of Durban. Student no 208511605, 2020.
  • Local community involvement in rural tourism development: a case study of Durban green corridor: Isithumba route. Student no 211516771, 2018.
  • University responses to the challenge of graduate employability: an assessment of Kwazulu- Natal higher education institutions. Student no 210522641, 2020
  • The role of future farmers in promoting food security through sustainable farming practice. Student No: 211516771, 2018.
  • Local Community involvement in Rural Tourism Development: A case study of Durban Green Corridor: Isithumba Route. Student no 211516771, 2018.
  • An analysis of the developmental challenges and opportunities facing small-scale farmers in eThekwini: perspectives from the edamame development programme.2100533654, 2019.
  • The potential for micro craft beer brewers in KZN to boost local economic development. Student no: 213513858, 2020.
  • Managing non-profit organisations for sustainability: a case study of Gift of the Givers. Foundation. Student No 212548709, 2020.
  • Financial viability of biomass produced in a small scale, low-cost aquaponic system in Ndwedwe. Student No 213543341, 2020.
  • Relationship between water temperature and environmental variables in aquaponics system. Student number student no 214523268, 2020.
  • Operations and challenges of special economic zones in the context of local economic development: the case study of Dube Trade port’s Agri zone. student no 212548709, 2020.
  • Social and cultural dynamics of low-cost aquaponics systems in Kwa-Zulu-Natal. Student No: 209519219, 2021.
  • Investigating the role of Campus Leadership towards improving student success by improving success rates in Higher Education in South Africa. Student no: 944360964, 2022.
  • Physical Infrastructure for a Low-Cost Aquaponics System for small scale farmers, Kwa-Zulu- Natal. Student No: 213521549, 2021.
  • Social- Economic and Institutional barriers/drivers to the implementation of micro-digesters in rural areas of South Africa: Focus on the case study of the Ndwedwe Municipality in KZN. Student No: 218052716, 2022.
  • Economic Challenges faced by wool and mohair producers in Leribe district of Lesotho. student No: 210522641, 2024.
  • Is servant leadership radical enough for the 21st century: The case study of an Information Technology company in South Africa? Student No 205521141
  • An Integrated Solution for Pavement Management and Monitoring Systems in South Africa. Student no 219052894, 2022.
  • Understanding the forestry value chain and livelihoods: A case of timber farming in KwaNgwanase. student no 205500830, 2022.
  • Advancing women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to leadership roles at a South African Research Institute. Student no: 222102880, Spring 2025
  • MBA students from Bloomsbury Institute London not included.
  • PhD /DBA supervision
  • The Sustainability Leadership Challenges Facing the South African Mining Industry (2025)
  • A change management framework to develop capabilities for the Logistics workforce to embrace technological change in a FMCG company in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (2023)
  • A phenomenological study on fourth industrial revolution (4ir) on managers’ sense of coherence in manufacturing sector in Saudi Arabia. ONLSE7002009A24 UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia.( 2024)
  • Implementation of balanced scorecard management system for strategy execution in real estate development organisations in Saudi Arabia. ONLSE7002009A16. UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia. (2022)
  • Examining Investment Readiness in Emerging Cities: A Case Study of KwaZulu-Natal Non-Metropolitan Municipalities. Student No: 210545207,( 2022).
  • Bioeconomic feasibility of aquaponics in South Africa: Leapfrogging for sustainable development of freshwater aquaculture. Student No: 215077928, 2021.
  • Design thinking as a strategic lever in promoting tourism in Kwazulu-Natal. Student No 214579447, 2022.
  • Developing a Leadership Model to effectively integrate millennials and the 4th Industrial Revolution in the Ethekwini Municipality. Student No: 205521141, (2023)
  • Managing stakeholder complexities: A model to curb project overruns in the construction industry in South Africa. Student no 218035350, ( 2023).