The impact of entrepreneurial leadership on employee performance: mediating role of creativity and moderating role of organizational support in Kayseri SMEs

Purpose- In today's competitive and global economy, firms must prioritize creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, which are further fueled by globalization and technological advancements. Creativity and entrepreneurial action drive innovation, offer new perspectives, and uncover untapped business opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial for managers and employees to identify and eliminate detrimental practices within the workplace. This study aims to highlight the importance of leaders fostering a supportive and positive work environment to enhance creativity and, consequently, employee performance. The research also highlights the necessity of fostering an innovative and entrepreneurial culture as more crucial because businesses deal with ongoing changes in the market and technology advancements. Leaders that actively support innovation and risk-taking can motivate staff to make more significant contributions to the expansion of the business. Businesses can further improve employee performance and innovation by funding training initiatives, providing chances for skill development, and fostering an atmosphere that values ideas. This will ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Methodology- The study focused on employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within Kayseri's Organized Industrial Zone. Data was collected through a survey technique, and hypotheses were tested using regression analysis to explore the relationships between variables. Findings- The results indicate that entrepreneurial leadership behavior positively influences both employee creativity and performance. Employee creativity, in turn, significantly impacts performance. Additionally, creativity mediates the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and employee performance, while perceived organizational support moderates the link between entrepreneurial leadership and creativity. Conclusion- To boost employee performance, leaders must adopt entrepreneurial behaviors, cultivate a creative work environment, and provide integrated support for employees. Keywords: Entrepreneurial leadership behavior, perceived organizational support, employee creativity, employee performance