Equator Journal of Management and Entrepreneurship
Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026): Vol. 14 No. 3 (2026): Equator Journal of Management and Entrepreneurship

From Leadership to Innovation: Transforming Business Performance in Culinary Sector SMEs

Sugeng, Novita Widyastuti (Unknown)
Ingkadijaya, Rahmat (Unknown)
Nurbaeti, Nurbaeti (Unknown)
Asmaniati, Fetty (Unknown)
Riyadi, Agus (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of entrepreneurial leadership and network capability on organizational creativity and innovation, with entrepreneur performance as a mediating variable among culinary SMEs in Jakarta. A quantitative approach with an explanatory design was employed to test causal relationships among variables. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to 500 SME owners or managers using purposive sampling. The research instrument applied a 1–5 Likert scale, and data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial leadership and network capability significantly influence entrepreneur performance. In addition, entrepreneurial leadership and entrepreneur performance have significant effects on organizational creativity and innovation. However, network capability does not have a direct significant effect on organizational creativity and innovation. Furthermore, entrepreneur performance acts as a mediating variable that strengthens the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and network capability with organizational creativity and innovation. The study concludes that improving organizational creativity and innovation in SMEs depends on strong entrepreneurial leadership, effective network management, and the ability of entrepreneurs to strategically utilize opportunities and resources.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jmdb

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Social Sciences

Description

Naskah merupakan hasil penelitian dan studi pustaka di bidang manajemen, ekonomi dan kewirausahaan. Bidang manajemen meliputi hasil penelitian dalam tata kelola perusahaan, pengelolaan keuangan, pengelolaan sumber daya manusia, pengelolaan pemasaran, pengelolaan produksi dan operasi, pengelolaan ...