Identification and comparative analysis of leadership types in greenhouse vegetable cultivation in Antalya province

The main purpose of this study is to identify leaders in the field of greenhouse production in the rural areas of Antalya province through social network analysis, and to determine the types of leaders and the factors affecting leadership. The study aims to reveal the networks formed by greenhouse producers, the actors within these networks, the interactions among the actors, and the information-sharing networks. In this context, the socio-economic characteristics, agricultural activities, information sources, attitudes towards adopting agricultural innovations, and leadership perceptions of producers operating in rural areas have been examined. Within the scope of the research, data obtained through face-to-face surveys conducted with 104 producers in the districts of Serik, Aksu, and Kumluca were analyzed. The snowball sampling method was used in selecting the producers who participated in the survey. Using descriptive statistics and social network analysis, the producers' socio-economic characteristics, agricultural activities, information sources, attitudes towards adopting agricultural innovations, and leadership perceptions were examined in detail. In the study, in addition to the socio-economic characteristics of the producers, data were obtained on the dissemination of agricultural innovations and the effectiveness of information-sharing networks by identifying producers and leading farmers in key positions within the information flow. Moreover, perceived leadership types were identified using factor analysis, and the information needs and information sources of the producers were analyzed. Within the scope of the research findings, it was determined that the majority of producers are primary school graduates, work in family businesses, and a considerable number do not have agricultural insurance. In the study, it was determined that producers obtain most of their information on disease and pest control from dealers, and that they also consult dealers for cultivation-related operations. The rates of adopting agricultural innovations and attitudes towards new technologies have been examined, and it has been observed that producers are largely open to innovations and generally consider the experiences of other producers. It has been determined that producers benefit from various supports to sustain their agricultural activities, but the utilization rates of these supports are low. Upon examining the producers' leadership perceptions and the findings related to their agricultural decision-making processes, it was observed that the individuals producers consider as leaders are generally perceived as trustworthy, experienced, and innovative. It was determined that decisions related to agricultural activities are generally made individually by the farm owner, with limited influence from family members in the decision-making processes. It may not always be possible to find a sufficient number of qualified personnel to provide face-to-face training for producers engaged in agricultural activities in rural areas. Therefore, utilizing local leaders is of great importance. In this context, lead farmers play a critical