Abstract:

The objective of this paper is to explore the role of leadership in fostering innovation within technology dependent organisations and in particular the ways in which such leadership manifests. The research used a Grounded Theory approach aligned to the interpretive paradigm. In all 21 interviews and 3 focus groups were conducted drawing on 72 individuals from 62 organisations. The main themes identified in this research were: 1) Entrepreneurial Leadership Practice, 2) The Innovative Culture, 3) Attributes of Negotiated Order and 4) Proactive Operational Ethos. The paper concludes by providing consolidated view of innovation attributes in small and large enterprises.