Developing a Leadership Framework SMEs Policy Analysis through Grounded Theory

This study analyzes Chinas SME development policies 2006 2024 to identify the implicit leadership competencies promoted by the state. Using grounded theory and computational textual analysis of 22 national policy documents with ATLAS.ti, the research reveals a distinct, policy driven leadership hierarchy. Strategic Guidance and Decision Making, Innovation and Change Leadership, and Organizational Management and Team Building emerged as the three dominant core competencies. In contrast, Market Expansion and Social Responsibility received minimal emphasis. The findings demonstrate a Chinese leadership model that prioritizes strategic alignment with national goals, innovation driven transformation, and internal governance over market oriented competencies, challenging the universality of Western leadership frameworks. Xian Hao Tang | Supakorn Suradinkura | Thunwa Chatikavanij "Developing a Leadership Framework SMEs: Policy Analysis through Grounded Theory" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-9 | Issue-5 , October 2025, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd97573.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/management/business-policies-and-strategies/97573/developing-a-leadership-framework-smes-policy-analysis-through-grounded-theory/xian-hao-tang