Volume 2 Issue 3 | 2025 | View PDF
Paper Id:IJMSM-V2I3P106
doi: 10.71141/30485037/V2I3P106

Equal in Impact, Different in Style: A Gendered Exploration of Entrepreneurial Leadership at the Grassroots Level

Edna M. Valdez

Citation:
Edna M. Valdez, "Equal in Impact, Different in Style: A Gendered Exploration of Entrepreneurial Leadership at the Grassroots Level" International Journal of Multidisciplinary on Science and Management, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 47-57, 2025.

Abstract:
This study examined the personal entrepreneurial competencies (PECs) of grassroots organization leaders, with a particular focus on how gender and socio-demographic factors shape leadership performance and behavior. Using a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the research combined quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurial leadership at the community level. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial capabilities are widely present among grassroots leaders, with notable gendered expressions: women excelled in goal-setting and quality of outcomes, often reflecting strategic and collaborative leadership, while men demonstrated stronger tendencies in opportunity-seeking, risk-taking, and timeliness, indicating action-oriented, externally focused leadership. Despite these differences, both male and female leaders achieved outstanding performance ratings, affirming that effective leadership transcends gender when rooted in entrepreneurial competencies. Moreover, variables such as employment status, household income, and age significantly influenced the development and application of PECs, suggesting that life experience and socio-economic resources are critical enablers of entrepreneurial behavior in community contexts. These findings highlight the need for inclusive, competency-based leadership development programs that reflect the realities and strengths of grassroots leaders. By fostering PECs across diverse community settings, such programs can enhance organizational resilience, drive innovation, and amplify the role of grassroots leadership in advancing inclusive and sustainable development.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial leadership, Gender and Leadership, Grassroots Organizations and Leadership, Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies, Leadership Development.

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