Olawale Fatoki
The business environment in which small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) operate in South Africa can be described as volatile and uncertain. An entrepreneurial approach to leadership is needed for SMMEs to survive the challenging business environment. The study investigated the effect of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) on employees’ innovative work behaviour (IWB). In addition, the study examined the mediating role of creative self-efficacy (CSE) in the relationship between EL and IWB. The study adopted the quantitative research design and the cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data from employees in 230 SMMEs. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS SEM) was used for data analysis. The results indicated a significant positive relationship between EL and employees’ IWB. The mediating effect of CSE is significant. Theoretical, empirical and managerial implications are discussed.