Factors affecting success of small business enterprises in the Polish tourism industry

The study analyzes the factors affecting growth and success of small entrepreneurial firms owned and operated by ten female entrepreneurs in the Polish tourism industry. The motivation behind this study is to form an understanding of leadership and innovative strategic behavior exhibited by female entrepreneurs and to analyze the factors that are crucial to promotion, development, and success of small size entrepreneurial firms within the tourism industry. The paper argues that leaders of successful business organizations are required to effectively communicate a vision conducive to creativity through available formal and informal channels while encouraging their employees to act and perform in order to have a positive influence on the organization’s success. Conclusions are drawn concerning the leadership practice, innovation, and sustainability of the industry’s entrepreneurial activities that have proven critical to the success of business. The findings provide insights on leadership and policy making regarding business innovation and leadership strategies for entrepreneurial development and growth in the sector of tourism industry that has an environmental or sustainability focus. Leadership characteristics and innovation strategies presented provide practical implications for smaller organizations and help bring about positive social change in other countries where female leadership within SMEs has not been significantly recognized