Designing an Entrepreneurial Leadership Model in the Diplomatic Field: A Grounded Theory Approach

Abstract

The present study aimed to design and conceptualize an entrepreneurial leadership model for the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs by identifying its formation conditions, strategic processes, and organizational outcomes within complex diplomatic environments. This fundamental research adopted a qualitative methodology grounded in the systematic grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin. The study population consisted of senior diplomats, managers of the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and academic experts in leadership studies selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with eleven key informants. Data analysis followed the constant comparative method and was conducted through three stages of open, axial, and selective coding until theoretical saturation was achieved. Scientific rigor was ensured using Lincoln and Guba’s criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Data organization and analysis were performed using MAXQDA software, leading to the development of a paradigmatic leadership model. Findings indicated that entrepreneurial leadership emerged as the central phenomenon shaped through dynamic interaction among causal, contextual, and intervening conditions. Ethical drivers, leaders’ personal beliefs, and managerial competencies constituted primary causal conditions, while organizational support, institutional culture, and technological infrastructure acted as contextual enablers. Key strategic actions included human capital empowerment, role-model leadership, organizational learning reforms, and strategic risk management. Implementation of these strategies generated outcomes such as enhanced organizational innovation, strengthened international bargaining capability, creation of national strategic value, and advancement of diplomatic human capital. The resulting model demonstrated that entrepreneurial leadership operates as a dynamic, context-dependent, and multi-level capability extending from individual leadership competencies to national strategic outcomes. The study concludes that contemporary diplomacy requires a transition from traditional administrative leadership toward a “diplomat-entrepreneur” paradigm integrating situational intelligence, ethical legitimacy, and opportunity-oriented action to achieve sustainable innovation and strategic effectiveness in public sector organizations.