Entrepreneurial leadership, well-being, and inclusion in public sector organizations

Entrepreneurship is increasingly promoted as a way to make public sector organizations (PSOs) more effective. However, there is little evidence on how it impacts the working lives of public employees. Therefore, this study investigates whether entrepreneurial leaders in PSOs enhance organizational effectiveness while promoting employee inclusion and well-being. Based on a large survey of Australian Government employees (n = 127,436), we found that entrepreneurial leaders significantly increase effectiveness and promote inclusion and well-being. Furthermore, by comparing the various components of entrepreneurial leadership, we found that factors associated with entrepreneurship and general leadership both separately influence PSOs. However, while entrepreneurship factors have a stronger impact on organizational effectiveness and the promotion of well-being, the more generic leadership factors are more strongly associated with inclusion promotion. Amid increasing demands on PSOs, this study highlights the value of training leaders in entrepreneurial and good leadership practices to improve organizational performance and employee support.