CONTRIBUTION OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP ON ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT: A SOUTH AFRICAN CASE

The paper examines the contribution of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) to entrepreneurial development (ED) in South Africa. A quantitative, correlational research design was applied to moderately measure the contribution level of critical thinking, innovation adoption, business growth, financial performance, accountability, and sustainability as a basis of entrepreneurial development. Data were collected from 280 small, micro, and medium business owners and managers across various sectors in the Gauteng Province. Descriptive statistics showed moderate to high levels of agreement on the significance of EL and ED, with mean scores of 3.9 and 3.5, respectively. The Nagelkerke pseudo-R-squared value (0.45) and the positive parameter estimates for EL (1.81, p < 0.001) and the moderate Spearman correlation (0.61, p < 0.001) indicate that EL positively influences ED; other contextual factors may also contribute, highlighting the need for further research into complementary determinants. The study links EL behaviours with ED sustainability and provides empirical evidence supporting previous theoretical frameworks, thereby contributing to the body of knowledge by reinforcing the role of EL as a significant measure of ED. However, the moderate correlation indicates that while EL is crucial, additional approaches and supports, such as financial support, innovation, and mentorship programs, should be considered in fostering entrepreneurial growth and sustainability.