Developing enterprise performance and sustainability in SMEs through entrepreneurship leadership, innovation, analytical thinking and creativity

Enhancing enterprise performance (EP) and enterprise sustainability (ES) is necessary for firms’ survival in the markets. The present study attempts to explore the prediction of EP through entrepreneurial leadership (EL), technological innovation capabilities (TIC), team creativity (TC) and analytical thinking (AT) as well as the relationship between EP and ES in manufacturing firms in Saudi Arabia. In the present study, the researcher employed a deductive approach by collecting cross-sectional data from Saudi Arabian manufacturing firms. The researcher targeted senior managers/department heads using online survey methods. Finally, the researcher used 362 usable cases to conclude the study. A path analysis unveiled a positive effect of EL on TIC, EP, TC and AT. TIC and TC positively affected EP. Conversely, AT was found to be a negative enabler of EP. Finally, EP was positively and significantly connected to ES in manufacturing firms in Saudi Arabia. The outcomes of this study contribute to SME leaders adopting technological innovations with effective leadership to create space in the markets. Furthermore, the findings support national goals, such as Saudi Vision 2030, by endorsing industrial growth through responsible leadership and innovation. Finally, the study’s outcomes enrich the literature in this domain with empirical confirmation from a developing context. This study deals with extensive theoretical insights by connecting EL with innovation, AT and creativity to predict EP and ES in SMEs. This integrated framework also provides behavioural and strategic capabilities in manufacturing contexts.