Influence of CEO’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Behaviour on Innovation Performance of Firms in China

Xilun, Yang (2025) Influence of CEO’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Behaviour on Innovation Performance of Firms in China. PhD thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.

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Abstract

In today's VUCA environment, sustaining competitive advantage requires continuous innovation. Entrepreneurial Leadership (EL) is increasingly recognized as a key driver of innovation, essential for the long-term success of enterprises. This study investigates the relationship between EL and innovation within Chinese Internet Enterprises (CIEs), focusing on how Innovation Culture (IC), Decentralization Structure (DS), and Knowledge Sharing (KS) mediate the influence of EL on Radical Innovation (RI) and Incremental Innovation (II). Additionally, the moderating effects of Technological Turbulence (TT), Environmental Dynamism (ED), and Market Orientation (MO) are examined. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, integrating quantitative survey data from 593 valid responses and qualitative insights from 14 senior managers across CIEs. PLS analysis was employed for the quantitative phase, while qualitative interviews provided deeper understanding of the mechanisms linking EL to innovation. The findings highlight EL's critical role in fostering both RI and II. Innovation Culture acts as a strong mediator between EL and both types of innovation. Decentralization Structure promotes II, while Knowledge Sharing negatively affects RI. External factors further moderate the influence of EL on mediators, emphasizing the necessity for adaptive leadership in response to a rapidly changing environment. This research contributes to Upper Echelons Theory (UET) and the Resource-Based View (RBV), offering practical guidance for enhancing innovation performance in CIEs. It provides a comprehensive framework for aligning entrepreneurial leadership with internal organizational factors in VUCA environment to sustain competitive advantage.

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