Bakalis, Steve, Joiner, Therese A and Rattanapitan, Grisda (2009) Traditional Leadership in Thailand: The role of applying abilities for mutual benefit. Journal of International Business and Economics, 9 (1). pp. 85-92. ISSN 1554-8037

Abstract

This paper examines how traditional values of leadership can be useful in encouraging leaders and employees to use their abilities for mutual benefit, resulting in effective leadership and employee job satisfaction. A questionnaire survey was developed and distributed to first-line and middle manager working in a large logistics company in Bangkok, Thailand. Analysis of the data supports a direct positive relationship between the extent that Thai leaders hold traditional values and employee's perceptions of leader effectiveness. However, there was no direct association between leader traditional values and employee job satisfaction. Importantly, in both cases, applying abilities for mutual benefit mediated the relationship between traditional leadership values and work outcomes (leader effectiveness and employee job satisfaction). These findings further our understanding of the role of traditional leadership values in Asian contexts, emphasizing that such a leadership style generally involves support and relationship building rather than domination and coercion. The findings of this study have important implications for the development of leadership in Thailand and other developing countries where traditional leadership values prevail.

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