Profiling Australian Small Business Leadership

This study represents the first in-depth investigation of leadership in Australian small businesses (<100 employees) and was based on a nation-wide sample of 655 executives. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) (Bass & Avolio,1997) was used to measure transformational, transactional, and laissez-faire leadership and the outcomes of extra effort and effectiveness. Significant differences among sub-groups were identified according to gender, experience, and level of seniority. This study is important for establishing new benchmarks for Australian small business leadership as perceived by executives themselves. Further research should examine the effects of leadership behaviours on strategic decision-making, change management, small business growth, and success.