Leadership Styles and Their Impact on the Success of Social Enterprises

This chapter examines the role of leadership in the success of social enterprises, focusing on how different leadership styles influence both social impact and financial sustainability. It addresses the distinctive challenges faced by social entrepreneurs, including balancing dual missions, managing complex stakeholder environments, and operating in resource-constrained settings. Drawing on three in-depth case studies representing transformational, servant, and authentic leadership styles, the study identifies core leadership competencies that contribute to venture success. Its contribution lies in presenting a comparative leadership framework that highlights how each style aligns differently with the dual objectives of social mission and financial viability. The findings offer practical implications for leadership development in social enterprises, providing strategic guidance for entrepreneurs, educators, and policymakers seeking to foster effective and sustainable mission-driven organisations.