Influencing Individual Learning through Entrepreneurial Leadership: An analysis of Iranian SMEs

Abstract

Organisational learning has, for a long time, been one of the main focuses of management, entrepreneurship and leadership researchers and practitioners. However, studies explaining ways in which entrepreneurs influence and direct individual learning in SMEs are still lacking. Thus, with this exploratory study we focus on entrepreneurs in Iran and we develop an in-depth understanding of their methods for leading and shaping the learning processes of individuals in their SMEs. We combine the concepts of entrepreneurial leadership, personal construct and organisational learning to explain the learning architecture(s) the entrepreneurs established in their SMEs. Data for analysis is generated from a cross-sectorial sample of 25 entrepreneurs. Considering their innovative way, we utilise entrepreneurial leadership and personal construct theory for data analysis. Accordingly, we extend the concept of organisational learning by developing a comprehensive understanding of leadership of learning in SMEs. Such understanding contributes to the literature on entrepreneurial leadership and organisational learning with theoretical, practical and policy implications.