Content area
Abstract
Despite the vast quantity of studies in the domain of leadership, very little work has been done on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Taking into account the relevance of this research topic, this paper aims to identify and understand leadership styles in SMEs. To reach this goal, a mixed-method approach was applied in three Portuguese SMEs (multiple case studies). Data were obtained from the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ), from SMEs' collaborators and interviews with their owner-manager/leader. Descriptive and content analyses were used. The findings attested to the central role of leadership in SME management. Different levels of leadership results were identified in the SMEs selected. Thus, the findings give additional support to the argument that leadership plays an important role in management results in SMEs. The practical implications of findings are also discussed.