This conceptual study evaluates the theory of entrepreneurial leadership. As a relatively young concept compared to other leadership theories, entrepreneurial leadership is examined in a multifaceted manner in terms of how it has been addressed in both international and Turkish academic literature. The study first presents the fundamental characteristics attributed to entrepreneurial leadership as well as definitions provided by various scholars. It then explores the theoretical connections between entrepreneurial leadership and other leadership theories, discussing which themes which are commonly associated with it and the conceptual foundations upon which it has been built, drawing on selected studies from the literature.

Furthermore, graduate-level theses in Türkiye were reviewed, and those directly related to entrepreneurial leadership were analyzed in depth. The study also identifies the key figures with whom entrepreneurial leadership is associated in the Turkish context. Based on the findings, the entrepreneurial leader is defined as an individual who can seize opportunities, take risks, foster innovation, and exhibit a visionary orientation through strategic actions. The literature indicates that entrepreneurial leadership is often studied in relation to transformational and servant leadership theories. Additionally, it is strongly associated with concepts such as workplace creativity, innovation, team performance, and organizational effectiveness. In the Turkish literature, entrepreneurial leadership has been exemplified and analyzed through figures such as Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Mithat Pasha, Şevket Demirel, Ahmet Mukdat Ziylan, Ahmet Keleşoğlu, Robert Bosch, and Steve Jobs.