تأثیر سبک‌های رهبری بر جهت‌گیری کارآفرینانه شرکت‌های کوچک و متوسط مستقر در استان خراسان رضوی

The vital role of SMEs in the economic prosperity of countries should not be underestimated. SMEs actively contribute to economic growth and development through their active role as innovators and agents of change. In this regard, the leadership styles of SME owners influence their capacity for innovation. Therefore, this article was conducted with the aim of investigating the influence of leadership styles on the entrepreneurial orientation of small and medium enterprises in industrial towns located in the Razavi Khorasan province. A quantitative search method was used and 103 small and medium-sized enterprises took part in the survey. Random sampling method was used. Researcher-made questionnaires were used to collect data in a survey. The data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, a correlation with Pearson, and regression analysis. The reliability of the data collection tool was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. The results showed that small and medium-sized businesses show moderate levels of entrepreneurial orientation and that they also show moderate levels of leadership styles tending towards a transformational leadership style. Also, the results showed that there is a positive and significant relationship between the independent variables of leadership style and the dependent variable (EO) of SMEs. SMEs were advised to adopt flexible leadership styles that would allow EO to thrive within their organization. In addition, relevant policy makers and decision makers were advised to design and implement a consortium of strategies and policies that can increase the level of entrepreneurial orientation among small and medium enterprises.