Study goals
The overall objective of this article is to analyze the role of leadership in technology-based companies in promoting environments that encourage innovation.
Relevance / originality
This research is relevant in studying leadership in technology-based companies in promoting innovative environments in an emerging country like Brazil, whose position in the 2022 Global Innovation Index still falls short of its potential.
Methodology / approach
This is a descriptive research with a qualitative approach. Seven interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. Dimensions such as Innovations within the organization, Organizational culture, Leadership role, and Behavioral characteristics of leadership unfolded into categories and subcategories.
Main results
Leaders play a crucial role in developing teams capable of innovating by stimulating creativity to find different solutions. Processes and objectives are open, clearly communicated, and built collaboratively with the team. Different leadership styles were identified among the leaders.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
This research contributes to the theory by proposing the analysis of leadership's role in promoting innovation in technology-based companies in an emerging country, with contextual characteristics differing from most research on the topic.
Social / management contributions
This research contributes by identifying profiles, behaviors, and leadership styles that proved suitable for promoting innovation in the studied companies. The findings may provide insights to inspire the development of more innovative leaders.