Journal of Intelligent Strategic Management

Journal of Intelligent Strategic Management

Explaining the role of entrepreneurial leadership in promoting innovative performance of venture capital: Examining the mediating role of strategic flexibility

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Instructor, Department of Management, Payam Noor University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Ph.D student of public administration , Sistan and Baluchistan University, Zahedan, Iran.
3 Assistant Professor , Department of accounting and Management , Payame Noor University,Tehran, Iran.
4 Master of Business Administration,Ct.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
In the current competitive and dynamic environment, venture capital is forced to use new management methods to continue its activities and achieve sustainable growth. In the meantime, entrepreneurial leadership, relying on components such as innovation, risk acceptance and forward-looking vision, plays a decisive role in guiding and directing this type of investment.. In this study, the explanation of the role of entrepreneurial leadership in promoting innovative performance of venture capital: Examining the mediating role of strategic flexibility is investigated. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-correlational in terms of method. The statistical population of the research included all member companies and funds in the Venture Capital Association in Tehran. The minimum sample size was estimated to be 224 people according to G-Power software and was analyzed. In this study, a standard questionnaire was used to collect data. Reliability was examined using the McDonald Omega coefficient, and face and content validity were examined and confirmed by the supervisor and experts. The obtained data were also analyzed using SPSS and AMOS statistical software. The findings show that entrepreneurial leadership has a positive and significant effect on innovative performance. Entrepreneurial leadership has a positive and significant effect on strategic flexibility. Strategic flexibility has a positive and significant effect on innovative performance. Also, strategic flexibility plays a significant mediating role in this relationship; in other words, entrepreneurial leaders provide the basis for improving innovative performance by strengthening adaptive capacities and strategic responsiveness. These results can be a practical guide for managers of venture capital companies to improve performance and develop competitive advantages in an innovation-oriented environment.
Keywords
Subjects

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 31 May 2026