Entrepreneurial Leadership Development in Women-Owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Indonesia: A Narrative Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30640/jmcbus.v4i3.6688Keywords:
Competency Development, Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurial Leadership, MSMEs, Women EntrepreneursAbstract
This study explores the development of entrepreneurial leadership among female-owned Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia, representing approximately 64% of the total MSME operators nationwide. Despite their significant contributions to the economy, women entrepreneurs face multifaceted challenges, including restricted access to financing, entrenched socio-cultural biases, and inadequate leadership training, which collectively hinder the growth and sustainability of their enterprises. Through a comprehensive narrative literature review, this study answers the research question by identifying effective leadership development strategies, emphasizing the critical role of technology-integrated training programs in enhancing the leadership capabilities of female entrepreneurs. The findings demonstrate that strengthened leadership competencies contribute positively to business performance and innovation. Furthermore, supportive government policies are vital to creating an enabling environment that fosters the advancement of women-led businesses. The study underscores the necessity of culturally sensitive and context-specific interventions that harness technology to empower women entrepreneurs, thereby enhancing competitiveness, operational efficiency, and business sustainability. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to inclusive economic growth and gender empowerment within the MSME sector.
References
Abdulla, F. S., & Ahmad, A. (2023). Challenges Faced By Women Entrepreneurs Of 21st Century: Literature Review. Journal Of Management & Science, 21(1), 16.
Adelia, A., Hamid, R. S., Ikbal, M., & Syamsuddin, S. (2024). Innovation Orientation, Self-Motivation, And Marketing Communication: Their Role In Supporting The Marketing Performance Of Women Entrepreneurs In Micro, Small, And Medium Enterprises. Innovation Orientation, Self-Motivation, And Marketing Communication: Their Role In Supporting The Marketing Performance Of Women Entrepreneurs In Micro, Small, And Medium Enterprises, 15(9), 9–14.
Akbari, M., Bagheri, A., Imani, S., & Asadnezhad, M. (2021). Does Entrepreneurial Leadership Encourage Innovation Work Behavior? The Mediating Role Of Creative Self-Efficacy And Support For Innovation. European Journal Of Innovation Management, 24(1), 1–22.
Amborowati, A., Riani, A. L., Harsono, M., & Suyono, J. (2026). Entrepreneurial Leadership In Business Organizations: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. F1000Research, 15, 367.
Anggadwita, G., & Dhewanto, W. (2015). Women’s Entrepreneurial Intentions In Micro And Small Enterprises (Mses) In Indonesia: The Influence Of Environmental Factors On Perceived Behavioral Control. Anggadwita, G., & Dhewanto, W.(2015). Women’s Entrepreneurial Intentions In Micro And Small Enterprises (Mses) In Indonesia: The Influence Of Environmental Factors On Perceived Behavioral Control. Journal Of Administrative And Business Studies, 1(1), 1–7.
Aparisi-Torrijo, S., & Ribes-Giner, G. (2022). Female Entrepreneurial Leadership Factors. International Entrepreneurship And Management Journal, 18(4), 1707–1737.
Aravik, H., Hamzani, A. I., & Khasanah, N. (2025). Women Entrepreneurship In Indonesia: Opportunities And Challenges. Islamic Banking: Jurnal Pemikiran Dan Pengembangan Perbankan Syariah, 10(2), 327–348.
Ariasih, M. P., Putra, K. E. S., & Suarmanayasa, I. N. (2024). Entrepreneurial Leadership Impact On Msme Women’s Business Perfomance In Denpasar City. Jurnal Ekonomi, 29(1), 60–77.
Arwani, A., Rismawati, S. D., Ma’shum, H., Mustakim, Z., Ismanto, K., Devy, H. S., Rosyada, M., & Rohmah, F. (2024). Women’s Economic Transformation: A Literature Review On Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship And Financial Inclusion In Pekalongan, Indonesia. International Journal Of Religion, 5(10).
Astuti, R. D., Balqiah, T. E., & Yuliati, E. (2024). Role Of Individual Entrepreneurial Orientation And Innovation In SME Performance: Gender Perspectives. Problems And Perspectives In Management, 22(2), 365.
Aviyanti, C., & Widyastuti, T. (2024). Role Of Leadership In Shaping Strategic Management Decisions Of MSME Owners In Indonesia. Dinasti International Journal Of Management Science, 5(6), 1180–1192.
Awalia, R., Syarief, R., & Haryati, T. (2025). Strategies For Developing Women’s Entrepreneurship In The Msmes Sector: A Systematic Literature Review.
Baumeister, R. F., & Leary, M. R. (1997). Writing Narrative Literature Reviews. Review Of General Psychology, 1(3), 311–320.
Christodoulou, I., Haj Youssef, M., Wasim, J., Phan, T. T. T., Reinhardt, R., & Nguyen, B. N. (2024). Breaking Barriers: Unveiling Motivations, Challenges And Policy Recommendations For Women’s Entrepreneurship In Vietnam. Journal Of Asia Business Studies, 18(6), 1541–1566.
Dabić, M., Stojčić, N., Simić, M., Potocan, V., Slavković, M., & Nedelko, Z. (2021). Intellectual Agility And Innovation In Micro And Small Businesses: The Mediating Role Of Entrepreneurial Leadership. Journal Of Business Research, 123, 683–695.
Diawati, P. (2026). Resilient Leadership, Frugal Innovation, And Women Entrepreneurship On Msme Performance Through Smart Business Adaptability As A Mediating Variable. Indonesian Journal Of Business & Entrepreunership, 12(1).
Emon, M. M. H., & Nipa, M. N. (2024). Exploring The Gender Dimension In Entrepreneurship Development: A Systematic Literature Review In The Context Of Bangladesh. Westcliff International Journal Of Applied Research, 8(1), 10–47670.
Fanaja, R. A., Pradana, M., Saputri, M. E., & Utami, D. G. (2023). Knowledge Management As Driver Of Women’s Entrepreneurial Innovativeness. Journal Of Human, Earth, And Future, 4(1), 1–9.
Feranita, N. V., Nugraha, A., & Sampir, A. S. (2020). Effect Of Transformational And Transactional Leadership On Smes In Indonesia. Problems And Perspectives In Management, 18(3), 415.
Franzke, S., Wu, J., Froese, F. J., & Chan, Z. X. (2022). Female Entrepreneurship In Asia: A Critical Review And Future Directions. Asian Business & Management, 21(3), 343–372.
Herlina, M. G., Rinaldi, B., & Iskandar, K. (2022). 香港社會科學學報.
Herlitah, H. (2025). Empowered To Lead: How Women’s Strategic Leadership Drives Sustainable Competitive Advantage In Smes. Strategy & Leadership.
Hidayah, N. (2023). Gender, Economy, And The Law: Women Entrepreneurs In Indonesian And Islamic Legal Perspectives. Samarah: Jurnal Hukum Keluarga Dan Hukum Islam, 7(2), 1171–1193.
Hilmiana, H., & Alviani, D. (2023). Women’s Entrepreneurial Competence Within A Patriarchal Social System. Jurnal Perspektif Pembiayaan Dan Pembangunan Daerah, 11(3), 203–212.
Hisni, N. I. A., Aziz, N. N. A., Ramli, N. A., & Rahman, M. Z. A. (2025). Impact Of Digital Leadership And Resilience On Women’s Business Success. International Journal Of Research And Innovation In Social Science, 9(1), 212.
Indrawati, R., Sembiring, M. J., & Dewi, L. (2026). Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Capability As A Mediating Mechanism In Women’s Entrepreneurial Success. Veredas Do Direito, 23(3), E234573–E234573.
Judijanto, L., Rukmana, A. Y., Maryam, B. P., & Adoe, V. S. (2025). Bibliometric Analysis Of The Development Of Women’s Entrepreneurship Literature In Indonesia. West Science Journal Economic And Entrepreneurship, 03(02), 208–216.
Jufri, A., & Hadiwibowo, I. (2025). The Impact Of Strategic Agility On Msmes Innovation Driven By Digital Entrepreneurial Leadership. E3S Web Of Conferences, 622, 4001.
Kurniawan, D. T., Siswanto, E., Rozana, K., Rakhmad, A. A. N., Prameka, A. S., & Hassan, S. A. (2023). Feminist Insight On Gendered Work: The Opportunity Recognition And Performance Of Women’s Entrepreneurship Influenced By Internal And External Factors. Kne Social Sciences, 426–439.
Laily, N., Mahargiono, P. B., Djuraidi, A., Sejati, A., & Jayanti, R. D. (2025). Fostering Economic Development Through Women’s Leadership And Organizational Ambidexterity: A Path To Superior Business Performance. International Journal Of Economics Development Research, 6(1), 271–283.
Laily, N., Oetomo, H. W., & Djawoto, D. (2022). Development Of Transformational Leadership For Women Entrepreneurs In Indonesia. European Journal Of Human Resource Management Studies, 6(1).
Laily, N., & Sari, J. (2024). Development Of Successful Business Performance Of Women Entrepreneurs In Indonesia. Asian Journal Of Economics, Business And Accounting, 24(7), 201–214.
Lestari, E. D., Kurniasari, F., Pratiwi, P. Y., Thilaga, S., & Ooi, B. W. (2025). Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Role Of Financial Literacy, Inclusion, And Access In Enhancing MSE’s Performance And Sustainability Via Women Development Program In Indonesia. Cogent Business & Management, 12(1), 2593078.
Lusianawati, H., Nurdiani, T. W., & Hayati, F. A. (2023). Development Of Women’s Entrepreneurship And The Role Of Women In Smes. West Science Journal Economic And Entrepreneurship, 1(02), 66–71.
Mardiana, A. (2020). Women’s Leadership In Entrepreneurs. Al-Ulum, 20(1), 212–232.
Nurlatifah, H., Zarkasi, I. R., Arsyad, A. T., & Imam, S. (2024). A Model For Improving Business Performance: The Evidence From Women Entrepreneurs In West Java, Indonesia. Migration Letters, 21(4), 959–974.
Pertiwi, D. I., Hikmah, N. N., Harianja, V. G., & Rohman, A. (2024). Revitalizing Women’s Success: The Power Of Leadership, Training, And Innovation For Entrepreneurs In Indonesia. Global Journal Of Business Social Sciences Review (GATR-GJBSSR), 12(1).
Pradani, H. H., Wirawan, R. A., Satria, A. R., & Hidayat, V. A. (2025). The Strategic Role Of Women’s Leadership In Indonesia. Journal Of World Science, 4(6), 672–678.
Raspati, F. A., & Kadiyono, A. L. (2023). Micro, Small And Medium Enterprises (Msmes): Women’s Empowerment For Women Entrepreneurs. Sawwa: Jurnal Studi Gender, 18(1), 25–48.
Reza, M., Manurung, D. T. H., Kolmakov, V. V, & Alshebami, A. S. (2020). Impact Of Education And Training On Performance Of Women Entrepreneurs In Indonesia: Moderating Effect Of Personal Characteristics. Management Science Letters, 10(16), 3923–3930.
Rumijati, A., & Hakim, A. R. (2023). Innovative Work Behavior And Self-Efficacy: Does Entrepreneurial Leadership Impact MSME Business Performance? Problems And Perspectives In Management, 21(4), 304.
Sari, S. A., & Ahmad, N. H. (2026). Connecting The Dots: Linking Entrepreneurial Leadership And Strategic Agility Towards SME Competitiveness. Vision, 30(2), 172–184.
Sarwoko, E. (2020). Entrepreneurial Leadership And Innovative Work Behavior: The Role Of Creative Self-Efficacy. Journal Of Economics, Business, And Accountancy Ventura, 23(2), 183–193.
Setyaningrum, R. P., & Muafi, M. (2023). Indonesia’s Successful Women Entrepreneurs: Servant Leadership, Ecommerce Digitalization Adoption, Self Efficacy As Mediation And Adoption Of Ecommerce Digitization As Moderation. Calitatea, 24(192), 235–248.
Setyaningrum, R. P., Norisanti, N., Fahlevi, M., Aljuaid, M., & Grabowska, S. (2023). Women And Entrepreneurship For Economic Growth In Indonesia. Frontiers In Psychology, 13, 975709.
Shafwatullah, P., & Arquisola, M. J. (2024). Creating A More Prosperous Life Through Beauty: How Entrepreneurship Education Empowers Women MSME In Indonesia. International Journal Of Research In Business And Social Science, 13(4), 495–506.
Shinozaki, S. (2022). Informal Micro, Small, And Medium-Sized Enterprises And Digitalization: Evidence From Surveys In Indonesia. ADBI Working Paper.
Susanti, E., Mulyanti, R. Y., & Wati, L. N. (2023). Msmes Performance And Competitive Advantage: Evidence From Women’s Msmes In Indonesia. Cogent Business & Management, 10(2), 2239423.
Tanti, D. S., Nathan, R. J., Sulistyo, P. B., Hanim, F., & Sarjuni, V. (2021). Empowering Cross-Border Women Entrepreneurs Via Mobile Ict: Framework For Malaysian And Indonesian Women-Led Msmes. Journal Of Nusantara Studies (JONUS), 6(2), 340–357.
Wulandari, D., Prayitno, P. H., Basuki, A., Prasetyo, A. R., Aulia, F., Gunawan, A., & Syafruddin, A. B. (2025). The Influence Of Technology-Based Leadership Training For Women MSME Owners. Salud, Ciencia Y Tecnología, 5, 1107.
Zahwa, A., Sutjipto, M. R., & Salim, D. F. (2025). A Strategic Model For Women Entrepreneurs: Digital Literacy, Resources, And Innovation In Enhancing MSME Performance. Edelweiss Applied Science And Technology, 9(4), 2571–2586.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Tanti Sugiharti, Willy Chandra, Ria Wulandari

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.






