Leading innovation: A matter of style

A recent Malaysian Innovation Climate Survey (MICS) suggests that whereas organizational leaders play a crucial role in inculcating innovation, they are seen as inhibitors to innovation due to their unwillingness to take risk, risk adversity and lack of clear direction. To lead innovation in their organizations, Malaysian SMEs leaders and entrepreneurs need to understand that their leadership style may influence innovation by creating an organizational environment where innovation thrives. This paper proposes a framework for managers and leaders to identify the appropriate leadership style(s) for championing and influencing innovation in their organizations. (92 words).