Student Entrepreneurial Leaders: Challenges and Competencies of Leading University Entrepreneurship Programs
Afsaneh Bagheri*, Zaidatol Akmaliah Lope Pihie**

Abstract
Leading entrepreneurial activities is associated with various uncertainties, complexities, and challenges. However, there has been little discussion on the literature about the specific competencies that enable entrepreneurial leaders to successfully cope with the difficulties and effectively lead their entrepreneurial venturing. The main purpose of this study was to illuminate the challenges and competencies of student entrepreneurial leaders in leading university entrepreneurship programs. Fourteen undergraduate student entrepreneurial leaders defined as having been successfully leading university entrepreneurship clubs and activities for at least two semesters were purposefully selected as the participants. Analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed three critical challenges of student entrepreneurial leaders including their group members’ lack of interest and commitment in entrepreneurial activities, confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities, and differences in their cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, to successfully deal with the challenges, the students were competent in creating a caring interpersonal relationship and teamwork, enabling task delegation, and building confidence of their group members. Implications of the findings for entrepreneurial leadership practice, education, and research and areas for further research are discussed.

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