A New Paradigm of Entrepreneurial Leadership: the mediating role of influence, vision and context

Abstract

Abstract This research project explores Entrepreneurial Leadership as a new way of understanding the entrepreneur. By exploring this phenomenon, the project aims to help the field of entrepreneurship move from a position of fragmentation to consolidation. A review of the both the entrepreneurship and leadership fields will conclude that entrepreneurship focuses on the individual entrepreneur/leader whereas leadership literature explores the significance of context and followers. A hypothetical case of the sports leader who is also an entrepreneur is utilized to provide insight into the literature. From the review, the emerging themes of influence, vision and contextual boundaries were uncovered. These themes were the foundation for a case study research strategy whereby the experiences of Aqua, Wheeler and Batter were sought to understand the emerging themes. It was found that the ability to influence other people in an entrepreneurial business context was stronger then that of a sports leadership role. Secondly, the individuals believed they created their own vision while the realisation of their goals was more self-influenced in the business context. Lastly it was shown that contextual boundaries were not restricted to a leadership environment as stated in the literature, but also existed in the entrepreneurial business context. The study of Entrepreneurial Leadership is in need for further development before an indepth synthesis of the field can be established.