The role of entrepreneurial leadership in advancing economic sustainability: Evidence from Bahraini SMEs

Abstract

This study aims to examine the impact of entrepreneurial leadership on achieving economic sustainability among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Kingdom of Bahrain. It investigates whether entrepreneurial leadership contributes significantly to sustainable economic outcomes in the SME sector. The research adopted the descriptive analytical approach. A random sample of 45 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) located in the Southern Governorate of Bahrain was selected. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed to enterprise owners and managers. The responses were analyzed using SPSS to test the hypothesis that entrepreneurial leadership has a statistically significant impact on economic sustainability. The findings confirmed that entrepreneurial leadership plays a significant role in promoting economic sustainability within SMEs. The analysis revealed a positive relationship between entrepreneurial leadership practices and improved sustainability outcomes. The study recommends that SMEs should invest in enhancing their recruitment strategies to attract and retain qualified talent. Additionally, while many enterprises have implemented plans to reduce resource consumption, the effectiveness of these plans could be improved through better communication and strategic implementation. This research contributes to the limited body of literature on entrepreneurial leadership and sustainability in the context of Bahraini SMEs. It highlights the importance of leadership in achieving long-term economic viability, particularly in developing economies.