Perceptions of leadership on survival of successful African-American small business owners: A phenomenological study

The qualitative study using the phenomenological design explored the lived experiences of 12 successful African-American small business owners from the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area using the snowball sampling technique. Five participants from the population of successful African-American small business owners were also selected using the snowball sampling technique to test the validity of the interview questions. The lived experiences of the sample participants were compiled and themes identified to determine the perceptions of leadership on the factors contributing to the survival of their small businesses. The study results indicated that African-American small business owners from the Oklahoma City Metropolitan area need to demonstrate transformational leadership. Transformational leadership skills could assist African-American small business owners in providing good customer service and satisfaction, leading by example, acquiring funds from self-effort, and obtaining business related experience. This may help to ensure the survivability of their small businesses beyond four years.