Abstract
M.Comm. (Business Management)
Entrepreneurial Leadership has become an important source of sustainable competitive advantage.
The generally dynamic nature of the South African business environment, the low entrepreneurial activity and the high failure rate of small and medium-sized businesses in the country suggest that (i) the importance of Entrepreneurial Leadership is not recognised, (ii) Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities are insufficient, and (iii) perceptions about the business environment are not clear.
The purpose of the study is to explore Entrepreneurial Leadership and its importance in small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa.
Using the survey methodology, the empirical study was conducted amongst leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the Johannesburg region.
The objectives of the study were to answer the following three research questions:
1. Is Entrepreneurial Leadership regarded as important?
2. Are Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities exhibited?
3. Is the business environment regarded as dynamic?
The findings of this study suggest that:
(i) Leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the South African business environment perceive Entrepreneurial Leadership as significantly important.
(ii) The perceptions of leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in South Africa are that they exhibit Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities.
(iii) Leaders and managers of South African small and medium-sized businesses operating in South Africa appear indifferent about market dynamics.