Leadership Styles of Indian Entrepreneurs and their Ethical Practices

Entrepreneurial leadership in India has developed through a distinctive interaction of cultural traditions, philosophical thought, and contemporary economic realities. Indian entrepreneurs function not only as agents of economic transformation but also as custodians of ethical values that influence organizational behavior and social trust. This paper critically examines the leadership styles commonly practiced by Indian entrepreneurs and explores the ethical principles that shape their leadership conduct. Drawing upon established leadership theories, Indian philosophical concepts such as dharma, karma, and trusteeship, and modern frameworks of business ethics, the study demonstrates that Indian entrepreneurial leadership is predominantly values-driven rather than purely compliance-oriented. The analysis highlights how transformational, paternalistic, servant, and adaptive leadership styles coexist and collectively contribute to ethical decision-making, stakeholder responsibility, and long-term organizational sustainability. The paper further discusses contemporary ethical challenges arising from globalization, technological change, and competitive pressures, and proposes strategies for strengthening ethical leadership among Indian entrepreneurs. The study offers meaningful insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers concerned with responsible entrepreneurship in emerging economies.