Drawing on the distinction between small-scale and large-scale business model innovation, and between directive and empowering leadership, we examine how CEOs in SMEs lead business model innovation during the process of internationalization. Building on eight cases of Japanese manufacturing SMEs, we develop a theoretical framework pointing to two different patterns in the articulation between CEO leadership style and business model innovation. We show that small-scale business model innovation led by directive leadership results in a timelier foreign market entry. However, in order to increase international sales, large-scale business model innovation is required. This is facilitated by an empowering leadership style of the CEO.

借鉴小规模和大规模商业模式创新的区别，以及指导型领导和授权型领导的区别，我们研究了中小企业 CEO 在国际化过程中如何领导商业模式创新。基于日本制造业中小企业的 8 个案例，我们开发了一个理论框架，指出 CEO 领导风格和商业模式创新之间的两种不同模式。我们表明，由指令性领导领导的小规模商业模式创新可以更及时地进入国外市场。然而，为了增加国际销售，需要大规模的商业模式创新。首席执行官授权的领导风格促进了这一点。