The effect of servant leadership on competitiveness of startups: The mediating role of entrepreneurial orientation and self-efficacy.

This article investigates the impact of servant leadership—a leadership style emphasizing serving and empowering employees—on the competitiveness of startups, with a focus on the mediating roles of employee self-efficacy and entrepreneurial orientation. Using survey data from 205 employees of Iranian startups across various industries, the study employs structural equation modeling to test hypotheses linking servant leadership to increased self-efficacy and entrepreneurial orientation, which in turn enhance startup competitiveness. Findings indicate that servant leadership positively influences competitiveness indirectly through these mediators, while its direct effect on competitiveness is not significant. The research highlights servant leadership as a viable alternative to transformational leadership for startups, particularly in fostering employee empowerment and entrepreneurial behaviors that contribute to competitive advantage.