Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect the entrepreneurial leadership in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) of Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual framework is developed after reviewing a vigorous literature. This is a quantitative methodology in which cross-sectional data are collected from top managers and founders in SMEs of Pakistan through a survey questionnaire. The random technique is applied for the collection of data. The total samples are 352. Initially, 500 survey questionnaires are distributed through personal visits in different cities of Pakistan. The returned rate is noticed as 70 percent. Findings The data are analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 24.0. The overall Cronbach’s α reliability is 0.866. On the other hand, the α for all variables (dependent and independent) is observed within the adequate ranges. The overall findings reveal that there is a positive and significant relationship among strategic factor, motivational factor, personality factor, communicative factor and entrepreneurial leadership. Practical implications This study may contribute to existing efforts to assimilate the arenas of strategy, motivation, communication, leadership and entrepreneurship. In addition, by reviewing the outcomes of present study, the policy makers and planners may further concentrate for promoting SMEs sector that is famous as a backbone for economic development. Originality/value This study is original and valuable with respect to data and context. The findings of such study may play a substantial role in the stability of the economy in Pakistan through enriching the SMEs sector.

PurposeThe study investigates the experience and significance of strategic factors in organizational innovation (OI) and organizational learning (OL). The study also examines the impact of OI and OL on organizational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe study takes a quantitative approach, with cross-sectional data collected to achieve its purpose. The respondents are CEOs of different organizations. The data collection tool, a survey questionnaire, is applied to a random sample. In total, data from 360 usable cases are analyzed to infer the results.FindingsAfter employing structural equation modeling (SEM), the study findings reveal the positive and significant impact of strategic factors on OI and OL, with these factors comprising personal mastery, transformational leadership, a shared vision, proactivity, and the environment. Furthermore, OI and OL have a positive and significant impact on organizational performance.Practical implicationsThe study's findings may reinforce knowledge of the different strategic factors/capabilities needed to attain a satisfactory level of organizational capabilities and, consequently, may increase organizational performance and encourage entrepreneurship. An investigation of these factors may impart benefits to an organization, such as becoming more innovative or providing a boost to learning. Managers of organizations may generate circumstances to make it easier to achieve the growth of these strategic factors/capabilities.Originality/valueThe study's findings may help to develop a better understanding of strategic factors, OI, OL, and organizational performance, particularly in a developing country context.

PurposeThis paper tries to examine the entrepreneurial intention of business students of public sector universities of Pakistan through the entrepreneurial event model (EEM).Design/methodology/approachThe study is a quantitative study and is based on cross-sectional data. The data is collected through a survey questionnaire. The random sample technique is used for data collection. The respondents are the business students of different public sector universities of Pakistan. In total 310 valid samples are utilized for final analysis.FindingsBy employing to SEM through Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) version 26.0, the overall findings show a positive and significant impact of perceived feasibility (PF), perceived desirability (PD) and self-efficacy on entrepreneurial intention (EI).Practical implicationsThe outcomes of the study may be helpful for policymakers to formulate the policies regarding the promotion of entrepreneurship and self-employment for reducing the burden of unemployment. Possibly, it may prove as an appliance for prosperity and income generation through boosting entrepreneurship. Moreover, it may contribute to the literature of entrepreneurship, mainly for Pakistan and the developing world.Originality/valueThe study would support in achieving economic development by diverting individuals' intention for entrepreneurship.