A phenomenological exploration of leadership characteristics of small business owner-founders

The low success rate of small businesses operating beyond the first 4 years in operation in the United States provided the impetus for the study. The leadership styles and techniques used by small business owner-founders affect an organization's future sustainability and survivability (Collins, 2005; Fuller-Love, 2006; Rasheed, 2005). A sample of 20 Arizona small business owner-founders participated in the qualitative, phenomenological study. The data and analysis indicated the following leadership characteristics necessitating organizational success for small business owner-founders: (a) lead by example, (b) establish positive leader-follower relationships, (c) recognize that the changing business environment will cause changes or develop new leadership characteristics, (d) understand the need for relationship building skills, and (e) know your employees. The themes interrelate to form the basis for building a solid leadership foundation for small business owner-founders to follow in leading their company successfully beyond the first four years in operation.