A study of moderating effect of age on the leadership style of entrepreneur vs intrapreneur impacting innovation at work

Purpose Innovation is a critical driver of organisational success, and leadership competencies play a pivotal role in fostering innovative practices. Drawing on the Upper Echelons Theory, this study aims to examine the moderating effect of age on entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial leadership competencies influencing workplace innovation. While the impact of leaders’ personal traits on leadership styles is well-established, little attention has been given to how demographic factors like age shape leadership competencies and their relationship with innovativeness. Design/methodology/approach Primary data was collected through simple random sampling using a pre-validated questionnaire. Select respondents fulfilling the defining criteria for being an entrepreneur and an intrapreneur were contacted online, and the final sample was then analysed using bivariate distribution and multivariate analysis of variance. Differences in leadership styles of entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs vis-à-vis age were ascertained. Findings Age is an important covariate that influences the entrepreneurial leadership competencies, thus impacting innovation. However, it is inferred that there could be other factors such as team size, age of the enterprise/venture/project, location and organisational support, which could be moderating the leadership styles of both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs simultaneously. Research limitations/implications Age is an important demographical covariate influencing the leadership style of entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, thus directly impacting innovation at work in the long run. However, this aspect still needs to be validated with a larger sample size and more sophisticated, advanced statistical methods. This study then also confirms the theoretical framework that the Upper Echelons Theory (personal leadership traits, experiences) has a bearing on the leadership competencies (dependent variables, in our case) of both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, while these competencies (one or more) at any given point are moderated by age, thus impacting innovation at work. Practical implications From a managerial perspective, these findings underscore the necessity of age-inclusive leadership development programmes. Organisations aiming to foster intrapreneurship should tailor leadership training initiatives to reinforce competencies such as inspirational motivation and contingent reward among younger leaders while leveraging the structured leadership approaches of older leaders. For entrepreneurs, mentorship programmes that encourage younger business owners to integrate strategic flexibility with leadership competencies could enhance their long-term sustainability. In addition, firms can benefit from recognising that the leadership styles of intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs evolve differently with age. Originality/value This study makes a novel contribution by exploring the moderating effect of age on leadership competencies in entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, impacting innovation at work. By integrating the Upper Echelons Theory with entrepreneurial leadership, it provides fresh insights into leadership dynamics and innovation.