EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW FOCUSED ON GENERATION Z IN THE DIGITAL ERA
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Dimas Ahsan Pramudita(1)
Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya
-
Marisa Intan Prawesti(2*)
Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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Masruroh Masruroh(3)
Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya
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Siti Sri Wulandari(4)
Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya
-
Yessy Artanti(5)
Department of Management, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Negeri Surabaya
(*) Corresponding Author
Keywords:
Entrepreneurial Leadership, Generation Z, Digital Era, Strategic Leadership
Abstract
This study analyzes the entrepreneurial leadership strategies employed by Generation Z to address challenges in the digital era. As the digital business ecosystem evolves, there is an increasing demand for innovative and adaptive leaders who can effectively leverage technology. The research methodology adopts a qualitative approach through a literature review, collecting relevant journal articles and books to identify patterns and relationships within Generation Z's entrepreneurial leadership strategies. Data are analyzed using an analytical framework to determine key themes such as entrepreneurial leadership, Generation Z, and the digital era. Findings indicate that effective entrepreneurial leadership strategies for Generation Z require a comprehensive, flexible, and forward-looking approach. Successful strategies must integrate digital literacy, character education, and relevant entrepreneurship training. This research demonstrates the value of adopting an ideal approach that emphasizes three main aspects: leveraging technology as an operational foundation, fostering collaborative and supportive leadership styles, and promoting personalized human resource development.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Leadership; Generation Z; Digital Era; Strategic Leadership
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References
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Banjarnahor, A. R., & Sari, O. H. (2023). Increasing Generation Z's Entrepreneurial Interest Through Digital Literacy in the Technology Era. Sammajiva: Journal of Business and Management Research, 1(1), 132-143.
Boutaky, G., Boutaky, S., Mialed, K., & Sahib-Eddine, A. (2023). The Relationship Between the Development of Entrepreneurial Activities in the Age of Technology and the Characters of Digitally Oriented Generations Z & Y: What Is the New Challenge for Business Schools? Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 23(8), 156-175.
Brînză, G., & Butnaru, G. I. (2024). A Bibliometric Analysis Regarding Generation Z Trends on Entrepreneurship. In Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics (pp. 234-248). Springer.
Bucovețchi, O., Slușariuc, G. C., & Činčalová, S. (2019). Generation Z – Key factor for organizational innovation. Quality - Access to Success, 20(171), 105-110.
Burlea-Schiopoiu, A., & Popovici, N. (2024). Social Inclusion: A Factor That Influences the Sustainable Entrepreneurial Behavior of Generation Z. Administrative Sciences, 14(4), 78-95.
Cubukcu Cerasi, C., & Balcioglu, Y. S. (2024). Bridging Generations and Values: Understanding Generation Z's Organizational Preferences and the Mediating Role of Sustainability and Innovation Attitudes in Turkey. Administrative Sciences, 14(8), 156-178.
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Dreyer, C., & Stojanová, H. (2022). How entrepreneurial is German Generation Z vs. Generation Y? A Literature Review. Procedia Computer Science, 207, 1226-1234.
Faizal, M. A., Arta, A., Aisyah, B. N., & Mashudi. (2023). The Role of Edupreneurship in Gen Z in Shaping Independent and Creative Young Generation. Maro; Journal of Sharia Economics and Business, 6(2), 231-241.
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Fikriando, E., Roza, D., & Fikrina, A. (2024). Fostering an entrepreneurial spirit for Gen Z. Horizon: Journal of Global Community Service, 3(2), 243-252.
Fitriani, R., & Mashudi. (2023). Implementation of Entrepreneurial Management in Businesses Owned by Generation Z in the Digitalization Era (Case Study: Dani Orchids). Pekobis: Journal of Education, Economics and Business, 8(1), 1-14.
Gao, Y., Wang, X., & Lu, J. (2024). The Impact of Digital Leadership on the Dynamic Capabilities in Micro-startups: A Case Study in China. In Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing (Vol. 502, pp. 89-104). Springer.
Genoveva, G., & Srihayu, E. A. (2024). Digital Entrepreneur for Generation Z Digital Entrepreneur for Z Generation. Clinical Psychology, 6(2), 2474-2479.
Goryunova, E., & Jenkins, D. (2023). Digital Natives: Shaping the Future of Leadership-Followership Dyad Worldwide. In Handbook of Global Leadership and Followership: Integrating the Best Leadership Theory and Practice (pp. 456-478). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Gwala, R. S. (2023). Leadership qualities of successful millennial leaders in developmental agenda in africa. In Considerations and Characteristics of the Millennial Leader in Today's Global Society (pp. 123-145). IGI Global.
Hasmidyani, D., Mardetini, E., & Amrina, D. E. (2022). Generation Z And Entrepreneurship: Measuring Entrepreneurial Intentions Based On The Theory Of Planned Behavior. Journal of Economics of Education and Entrepreneurship, 10(1), 19-30.
Irawaty, F., & Wicaksono, A. (2024). Leadership Development for Generation Z with Coaching Patterns based on Matthew 17:5. SANCTUM DOMINE: Journal of Theology, 14(1), 175-196.
Kaiyai, H., Kenaphoom, S., & Pommarang, S. (2024). Indicator of the digital leadership skill. In Consumer and Organizational Behavior in the Age of AI (pp. 78-95). Academic Press.
Kusanke, K., Pilgenröder, S., Kendziorra, J., & Winkler, T. J. (2023). Digital Leadership in the Public Sector: Towards a Public Sector Digital Leadership Competency Model. In 29th Annual Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2023 (pp. 234-248).
Kusuma S. I. J., Amanda, T., & Syahputra, H. (2025). Entrepreneurship among Gen Z: A Study. Scientific Journal of Batanghari University of Jambi, 25(1), 239-243.
Maheshwari, S. K., & Yadav, J. (2020). Leadership in the digital age: Emerging paradigms and challenges. International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 25(3), 345-362.
Megahed, N. (2022). Leadership competencies for digital transformation. In Leadership and Workplace Culture in the Digital Era (pp. 89-108). Emerald Publishing.
Mulia, R. A., Khoerunnisa, H., & Harto, Y. B. (2025). Human Resource Management Strategy: Generation Z Employee Performance Based On Hybrid Work System In Start-Up Companies. Journal of Business Marketing, 7(1), 206-222.
Munsamy, M., Dhanpat, N., & Barkhuizen, E. N. (2023). The development and validation of a digital leadership competency scale. Acta Commercii, 23(1), 1-15.
Ngah, R., Samiidy, R., & Hali, N. H. A. (2020). Implications of generic skills on innovative behavior towards opportunity recognition in youth. Research in World Economy, 11(3), 234-245.
Pace, A. (2012). Preparing today's youths for tomorrow's workplace. T and D, 66(7), 52-56.
Paramaguru, M., Bhattacharjee, A., Girotra, R., & Sairam, P. S. (2024). Leadership in Gen Z: Exploring Constructs, Traits, and Challenges through the Lens of the Indian Knowledge System. Purushartha, 17(1), 45-62.
Permana, E., Setiarini, Ardianto, Y., Riskarini, D., Satria, I., Yunas, S., Sinuraya, M. (2024). Entrepreneurial Spirit Training In Supporting Entrepreneurship Among Generation Z. SULUH : Journal of Abdimas, 6(1), 108-115.
Rahmadiane, G. D., & Harjanti, R. S. (2024). Entrepreneurial Interest in Gen Z in the Digital Era. Owner: Research & Journal of Accounting, 8(3), 2150-2157.
Reginald, A. R., Muhammad, N. S., Rochani, O. S., Arifin, M. D., & Hermawan, S. (2024). Effective Strategies for Recruiting and Managing Generation Z Employees in Global Business Management. Journal of Social and Humanities (AJSH), 4(2), 702-706.
Ruiz-Vázquez, M. H., Rodríguez-González, F. G., & Trujillo-Reyes, J. C. (2024). Personality and leadership style in generation Z: A quantitative study in a higher education institution in Mexico. Intangible Capital, 20(2), 123-145.
Saeedikiya, M., Salamzadeh, A., Salamzadeh, Y., & Aeeni, Z. (2024). Cognitions affecting innovation among generation Z entrepreneurs: the external enablement of digital infrastructure. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 30(4), 678-695.
Schiuma, G., Schettini, E., Santarsiero, F., & Carlucci, D. (2022). The transformative leadership compass: six competencies for digital transformation entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 28(5), 1045-1068.
Sudaryanto, M. A., & Sylvana, A. (2024). Generation Z and Entrepreneurship: Understanding the Character of Entrepreneurs in the Midst of Industrial Revolution 5.0. INNOVATIVE: Journal Of Social Science Research, 4(6), 4344-4351.
Sugiayasin, R. (2025). Literature Review on Gen Z: Navigating Challenges and Implementing Talent Management Strategies in the World of Work. Indo-Fintech Intellectuals: Journal of Economics and Business, 5(1), 4147-4155.
Wang, M.-H., Chen, C.-C., Chen, K.-Y., & Lo, H.-W. (2023). Leadership Competencies in the Financial Industry
during Digital Transformation: An Evaluation Framework Using the Z-DEMATEL Technique. Axioms, 12(8), 756-778.
Widodo, Z. D., Wijiastuti, S., Adiyani, R., Sumarto, L., Lusia, A., Darsono, Ripta, D. R. (2024). Education, Assistance and Optimization of Human Resource Empowerment of Creative Economy Entrepreneurship of the Gen Z Community. GANESHA: Journal of Community Service, 4(2), 264-267.
Wulandari, R., Hariko, R., & Afdal. (2024). Digital Literacy to Increase Entrepreneurial Interest. Treatise: Journal of Islamic Education and Studies, 10(3), 983-996.
Xia, Y., Liu, X., Wang, X., & Tsai, S.-B. (2023). The power of role models in a team: The impact of lead entrepreneur's digital leadership on digital entrepreneurial success. Information Processing and Management, 60(4), 103-118.
Yela Aránega, A., Gonzalo Montesinos, C., & del Val Núñez, M. T. (2023). Towards an entrepreneurial leadership based on kindness in a digital age. Journal of Business Research, 158, 113-125.
Yılmaz, B., Dinler Kısaçtutan, E., & Gürün Karatepe, S. (2024). Digital natives of the labor market: Generation Z as future leaders and their perspectives on leadership. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1347892.
Živković, S. (2022). Inspiring Digital Transformation: An Integrative Leadership Competency Framework. Economic Thought and Practice, 31(2), 389-408
Alfiyyah, A. A., Fairuzi, & Farhurohman, O. (2025). 23. The Importance of Building Character to Face the Gen Z Era in the Social Studies Learning Content of Madrasah Ibtidaiyah. EDUCATION: Journal of Social Sciences, Language and Education, 5(1), 64-77.
Andari. (2024). Building An Entrepreneurial Mentality In Gen Z In The Digital Era. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Community Service | SENAMA, 7-11.
Aprilita. (2024). Human Resource Management Strategies in Generation Z: Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Era to Increase Career Maturity. Advances In Social Humanities Research, 2(2), 222-235.
Banerjee, K. K., & Uma Maheshvari, S. (2020). Creating the catapult effect for the talent in the era of digital abundance. In Global Business Leadership Development for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (pp. 45-68). Springer.
Banjarnahor, A. R., & Sari, O. H. (2023). Increasing Generation Z's Entrepreneurial Interest Through Digital Literacy in the Technology Era. Sammajiva: Journal of Business and Management Research, 1(1), 132-143.
Boutaky, G., Boutaky, S., Mialed, K., & Sahib-Eddine, A. (2023). The Relationship Between the Development of Entrepreneurial Activities in the Age of Technology and the Characters of Digitally Oriented Generations Z & Y: What Is the New Challenge for Business Schools? Journal of Higher Education Theory and Practice, 23(8), 156-175.
Brînză, G., & Butnaru, G. I. (2024). A Bibliometric Analysis Regarding Generation Z Trends on Entrepreneurship. In Springer Proceedings in Business and Economics (pp. 234-248). Springer.
Bucovețchi, O., Slușariuc, G. C., & Činčalová, S. (2019). Generation Z – Key factor for organizational innovation. Quality - Access to Success, 20(171), 105-110.
Burlea-Schiopoiu, A., & Popovici, N. (2024). Social Inclusion: A Factor That Influences the Sustainable Entrepreneurial Behavior of Generation Z. Administrative Sciences, 14(4), 78-95.
Cubukcu Cerasi, C., & Balcioglu, Y. S. (2024). Bridging Generations and Values: Understanding Generation Z's Organizational Preferences and the Mediating Role of Sustainability and Innovation Attitudes in Turkey. Administrative Sciences, 14(8), 156-178.
Deepika, & Chitranshi, J. (2021). Leader readiness of Gen Z in VUCA business environment. Foresight, 23(2), 154-172.
Dreyer, C., & Stojanová, H. (2022). How entrepreneurial is German Generation Z vs. Generation Y? A Literature Review. Procedia Computer Science, 207, 1226-1234.
Faizal, M. A., Arta, A., Aisyah, B. N., & Mashudi. (2023). The Role of Edupreneurship in Gen Z in Shaping Independent and Creative Young Generation. Maro; Journal of Sharia Economics and Business, 6(2), 231-241.
Febiana, C., Goenadhi, L., Suharto, I., & Wijayanti, A. P. (2023). The Formation of Entrepreneurial Character in Gen Z Facing Society 5.0. Scientific Journal of Batanghari University of Jambi, 23(1), 319-324.
Fikriando, E., Roza, D., & Fikrina, A. (2024). Fostering an entrepreneurial spirit for Gen Z. Horizon: Journal of Global Community Service, 3(2), 243-252.
Fitriani, R., & Mashudi. (2023). Implementation of Entrepreneurial Management in Businesses Owned by Generation Z in the Digitalization Era (Case Study: Dani Orchids). Pekobis: Journal of Education, Economics and Business, 8(1), 1-14.
Gao, Y., Wang, X., & Lu, J. (2024). The Impact of Digital Leadership on the Dynamic Capabilities in Micro-startups: A Case Study in China. In Lecture Notes in Business Information Processing (Vol. 502, pp. 89-104). Springer.
Genoveva, G., & Srihayu, E. A. (2024). Digital Entrepreneur for Generation Z Digital Entrepreneur for Z Generation. Clinical Psychology, 6(2), 2474-2479.
Goryunova, E., & Jenkins, D. (2023). Digital Natives: Shaping the Future of Leadership-Followership Dyad Worldwide. In Handbook of Global Leadership and Followership: Integrating the Best Leadership Theory and Practice (pp. 456-478). Edward Elgar Publishing.
Gwala, R. S. (2023). Leadership qualities of successful millennial leaders in developmental agenda in africa. In Considerations and Characteristics of the Millennial Leader in Today's Global Society (pp. 123-145). IGI Global.
Hasmidyani, D., Mardetini, E., & Amrina, D. E. (2022). Generation Z And Entrepreneurship: Measuring Entrepreneurial Intentions Based On The Theory Of Planned Behavior. Journal of Economics of Education and Entrepreneurship, 10(1), 19-30.
Irawaty, F., & Wicaksono, A. (2024). Leadership Development for Generation Z with Coaching Patterns based on Matthew 17:5. SANCTUM DOMINE: Journal of Theology, 14(1), 175-196.
Kaiyai, H., Kenaphoom, S., & Pommarang, S. (2024). Indicator of the digital leadership skill. In Consumer and Organizational Behavior in the Age of AI (pp. 78-95). Academic Press.
Kusanke, K., Pilgenröder, S., Kendziorra, J., & Winkler, T. J. (2023). Digital Leadership in the Public Sector: Towards a Public Sector Digital Leadership Competency Model. In 29th Annual Americas Conference on Information Systems, AMCIS 2023 (pp. 234-248).
Kusuma S. I. J., Amanda, T., & Syahputra, H. (2025). Entrepreneurship among Gen Z: A Study. Scientific Journal of Batanghari University of Jambi, 25(1), 239-243.
Maheshwari, S. K., & Yadav, J. (2020). Leadership in the digital age: Emerging paradigms and challenges. International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 25(3), 345-362.
Megahed, N. (2022). Leadership competencies for digital transformation. In Leadership and Workplace Culture in the Digital Era (pp. 89-108). Emerald Publishing.
Mulia, R. A., Khoerunnisa, H., & Harto, Y. B. (2025). Human Resource Management Strategy: Generation Z Employee Performance Based On Hybrid Work System In Start-Up Companies. Journal of Business Marketing, 7(1), 206-222.
Munsamy, M., Dhanpat, N., & Barkhuizen, E. N. (2023). The development and validation of a digital leadership competency scale. Acta Commercii, 23(1), 1-15.
Ngah, R., Samiidy, R., & Hali, N. H. A. (2020). Implications of generic skills on innovative behavior towards opportunity recognition in youth. Research in World Economy, 11(3), 234-245.
Pace, A. (2012). Preparing today's youths for tomorrow's workplace. T and D, 66(7), 52-56.
Paramaguru, M., Bhattacharjee, A., Girotra, R., & Sairam, P. S. (2024). Leadership in Gen Z: Exploring Constructs, Traits, and Challenges through the Lens of the Indian Knowledge System. Purushartha, 17(1), 45-62.
Permana, E., Setiarini, Ardianto, Y., Riskarini, D., Satria, I., Yunas, S., Sinuraya, M. (2024). Entrepreneurial Spirit Training In Supporting Entrepreneurship Among Generation Z. SULUH : Journal of Abdimas, 6(1), 108-115.
Rahmadiane, G. D., & Harjanti, R. S. (2024). Entrepreneurial Interest in Gen Z in the Digital Era. Owner: Research & Journal of Accounting, 8(3), 2150-2157.
Reginald, A. R., Muhammad, N. S., Rochani, O. S., Arifin, M. D., & Hermawan, S. (2024). Effective Strategies for Recruiting and Managing Generation Z Employees in Global Business Management. Journal of Social and Humanities (AJSH), 4(2), 702-706.
Ruiz-Vázquez, M. H., Rodríguez-González, F. G., & Trujillo-Reyes, J. C. (2024). Personality and leadership style in generation Z: A quantitative study in a higher education institution in Mexico. Intangible Capital, 20(2), 123-145.
Saeedikiya, M., Salamzadeh, A., Salamzadeh, Y., & Aeeni, Z. (2024). Cognitions affecting innovation among generation Z entrepreneurs: the external enablement of digital infrastructure. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 30(4), 678-695.
Schiuma, G., Schettini, E., Santarsiero, F., & Carlucci, D. (2022). The transformative leadership compass: six competencies for digital transformation entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Research, 28(5), 1045-1068.
Sudaryanto, M. A., & Sylvana, A. (2024). Generation Z and Entrepreneurship: Understanding the Character of Entrepreneurs in the Midst of Industrial Revolution 5.0. INNOVATIVE: Journal Of Social Science Research, 4(6), 4344-4351.
Sugiayasin, R. (2025). Literature Review on Gen Z: Navigating Challenges and Implementing Talent Management Strategies in the World of Work. Indo-Fintech Intellectuals: Journal of Economics and Business, 5(1), 4147-4155.
Wang, M.-H., Chen, C.-C., Chen, K.-Y., & Lo, H.-W. (2023). Leadership Competencies in the Financial Industry
during Digital Transformation: An Evaluation Framework Using the Z-DEMATEL Technique. Axioms, 12(8), 756-778.
Widodo, Z. D., Wijiastuti, S., Adiyani, R., Sumarto, L., Lusia, A., Darsono, Ripta, D. R. (2024). Education, Assistance and Optimization of Human Resource Empowerment of Creative Economy Entrepreneurship of the Gen Z Community. GANESHA: Journal of Community Service, 4(2), 264-267.
Wulandari, R., Hariko, R., & Afdal. (2024). Digital Literacy to Increase Entrepreneurial Interest. Treatise: Journal of Islamic Education and Studies, 10(3), 983-996.
Xia, Y., Liu, X., Wang, X., & Tsai, S.-B. (2023). The power of role models in a team: The impact of lead entrepreneur's digital leadership on digital entrepreneurial success. Information Processing and Management, 60(4), 103-118.
Yela Aránega, A., Gonzalo Montesinos, C., & del Val Núñez, M. T. (2023). Towards an entrepreneurial leadership based on kindness in a digital age. Journal of Business Research, 158, 113-125.
Yılmaz, B., Dinler Kısaçtutan, E., & Gürün Karatepe, S. (2024). Digital natives of the labor market: Generation Z as future leaders and their perspectives on leadership. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1347892.
Živković, S. (2022). Inspiring Digital Transformation: An Integrative Leadership Competency Framework. Economic Thought and Practice, 31(2), 389-408
Published
2025-07-29
How to Cite
Pramudita, D., Prawesti, M., Masruroh, M., Wulandari, S., & Artanti, Y. (2025). EXPLORING ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES: A COMPREHENSIVE LITERATURE REVIEW FOCUSED ON GENERATION Z IN THE DIGITAL ERA. Journal of Management : Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), 18(2), 1421-1435. https://doi.org/10.35508/jom.v18i2.21191
Section
Articles
