Shared leadership in entrepreneurial teams: a qualitative study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to unravel the underpinnings of the phenomenon of shared leadership. The study was carried out with the objective of answering questions such as what is shared in shared leadership, what are individual and team level factors which lead to sharing and what are the outcomes of shared leadership. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a qualitative approach. Eighteen in-depth interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using Nvivo 11 software. Findings The study found that in entrepreneurial teams while sharing leadership, cofounders share competencies, roles, vision, stress and decision-making. The study also reveals various individual and team level factors which facilitate shared leadership and its outcomes. Practical implications The study offers critical insights regarding the characteristics of individuals and team where shared leadership would work and hence can be used to understand the factors to be considered while forming teams. The study also has important insights for the investors regarding what dynamics to look for in individuals and teams before making investment decisions. Originality/value The inductive approach adopted in the study helps in understanding some of the basic underpinnings of the phenomenon of shared leadership which were not adequately answered by previous studies.