Investigating the nexus between critical success factors, supportive leadership, and entrepreneurial success: evidence from the renewable energy projects

Abstract

This study focuses on entrepreneurs associated with construction-based renewable energy projects located in Pakistan. The objectives of this research to identify the critical factors that affect the success of entrepreneurs. We used three dimensions of critical success factors such as government support (GS), access to finance (AF), and personality traits (PTs). This study consists of four important direct and indirect relationships. First, we examine the direct relationship between critical success factors (CSFs) and the success of entrepreneurs. Second, we investigate the direct relationship between CSFs and supportive leadership (SL). Third, we also examine the indirect relationship of supportive leadership between CSFs and the success of entrepreneurs. Fourth, we test the direct relationship between supportive leadership and the success of entrepreneurs. In this study, we collected data from 255 entrepreneurs using convenience sampling techniques associated with construction-based renewable energy projects in Pakistan. A five-point Likert scale is used for data collection through a research questionnaire. The direct and indirect path analyses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results of this study conclude. First, in the direct relationship, all the critical success factors, i.e., personality traits, access to finance, and government support, positively and significantly impact entrepreneurs' success. Second, the results confirmed that all critical success factors positively correlate with supportive leadership. Third, the results also revealed that supportive leadership significantly and positively mediates the relationship between the three CSFs and the success of entrepreneurs. Fourth, the outcomes also demonstrate that supportive leadership positively affects the success of entrepreneurs. The outcomes of this study also suggest some theoretical and practical suggestions for academicians and entrepreneurial personnel.

Keywords: Construction industry; Entrepreneurial success; Renewable energy projects; Supportive leadership.