International Journal of Resistive Economics

International Journal of Resistive Economics

Model of Entrepreneurial Leadership’s Role in the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises Active in Nanotechnology

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Ph.D. Student in Entrepreneurship, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran
10.22034/oajre.2025.509704.1104
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to propose a model of entrepreneurial leadership aimed at enhancing the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) active in the field of nanotechnology in Tehran. The nature of this research is exploratory, utilizing qualitative data. The qualitative research population consists of 14 individuals who, in addition to holding responsibilities in knowledge-based companies within the nanotechnology industry, possess academic credentials with at least a doctoral degree in a management-related field and teaching experience at universities. The researcher employed the snowball sampling method in this phase, achieving theoretical saturation after conducting interviews with 14 elites and experts. Qualitative data were collected through structured interviews, and data analysis was performed using the qualitative thematic analysis method. This process involved three stages: open coding, sub-theme coding, and main theme coding, leading to the extraction of main and sub-themes. The Maxqda 2020 software was used to address the research questions. The results indicate that the main themes include the Personality Traits of the Entrepreneurial Leader, Entrepreneurial Leadership Skills, Perceptual Characteristics of the Leader, Opportunity Recognition, Entrepreneurial Learning, and Comprehensive Organizational Resource Management. Additionally, based on the findings, among the extracted codes, the highest frequency pertains to the codes of Idea Creation, Entrepreneurial Orientation, and Nanotechnology Business Analysis, which form the focal point of nanotechnology business analysis. At the apex of the pyramid are Inspiration and Financial Analysis, while the base of the pyramid consists of the Development of Entrepreneurial Capabilities.
Keywords

  • Receive Date 10 May 2023
  • Revise Date 03 August 2023
  • Accept Date 15 October 2023