The multilevel effectiveness of entrepreneurial leadership: A meta-analysis

The effectiveness of entrepreneurial leadership (EL) at different levels has been widely recognized by scholars who have carried out substantial exploration; however, the empirical studies on the effectiveness of EL are scattered and their results are mixed. This study aims to organize these findings, advance knowledge about the multilevel effectiveness of EL and clarify the heterogeneity in the relationship between EL and effectiveness outcomes. Based on a systematic review of the extant literature and the construction of an integrated framework, this study examines the influence of EL on effectiveness outcomes at multiple levels and the moderators of this relationship through meta-analysis of 35 empirical studies including 35 independent samples. The results show that EL can improve effectiveness outcomes at different levels of organization, team and individual; cultural context obviously moderates this relationship, whereas the moderating effects of enterprise type and EL measure are all not significant. This study helps to determine the specific association of EL with effectiveness outcomes at different levels, and identify important factors influencing this relationship, which broadens the understanding of leadership effectiveness and provides certain value for enterprises to give full play to the role of EL at all levels.