Conceptual contributions to understanding the entrepreneur: leadership, personality, and relational networks

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has been addressed from multiple theoretical perspectives; however, the elements that shape entrepreneurial action are often examined in a fragmented manner. In this regard, the aim of this article is to analyze the conceptual contributions associated with leadership, personality, and relational networks as fundamental dimensions for a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneur, from a theoretical and reflective perspective. The study is based on the premise that the entrepreneur should not be understood solely as a business creator, but rather as a social actor whose competencies, psychosocial traits, and relational dynamics significantly influence performance and the sustainability of entrepreneurial initiatives. Regarding the methodology, this study adopts a qualitative approach through a reflective documentary review, grounded in the critical analysis of specialized academic literature on entrepreneurship, leadership, personality, and relational capital. Scientific sources were selected from books and peer-reviewed articles indexed in recognized academic databases, prioritizing both classical and contemporary authors who contribute to an integrated understanding of the entrepreneurial phenomenon. The analysis focuses on identifying theoretical convergences and conceptual relationships among the studied categories, enabling an articulated reflection on the role of the entrepreneur within diverse organizational and social contexts. The findings of this theoretical reflection highlight that leadership, personality, and relational networks constitute interdependent dimensions that enhance the entrepreneur’s capacity to identify opportunities, mobilize resources, and foster innovation processes. It is concluded that a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneur requires moving beyond reductionist approaches, incorporating theoretical frameworks that acknowledge the psychosocial and relational complexity of entrepreneurship as a social practice.