Leadership practices in Malaysian technology-based firms: a mixed method approach

Abstract

Three leadership styles have been identified in a recent study on leadership styles in technology-based firms, i.e., transformational, transactional and ambidextrous leadership. The aim of this study is to identify the leadership styles practiced in Malaysian technology-based firms. To reach this objective, a mixed method approach was adopted. Data was gathered from owners or top management of Malaysian technology-based firms using survey questionnaire and in-depth interview. The results of the quantitative study showed that the aforementioned leadership styles were practiced by Malaysian technology-based firms. The qualitative study revealed that there are five leadership styles practiced by Malaysian technology-based firms. The implication of the study expands the knowledge in the areas of leadership since little work has been done on leadership styles in technology-based firms. The originality of this paper lies on being the first to examine the leadership styles of Malaysian technology-based firms using a mixed method approach.