APPROPRIATE LEADERSHIP STYLES

Phuoc D. Nguyen

Gentry et al. (2014) indicated, “As culture clearly influences what leadership behaviors and styles are effective and useful, it needs to be considered whether and how culture should be accounted for in leadership development.” (p. 85). A good manager in developed countries cannot mechanically apply their leadership and management skills in developing countries. They should consider the main religious factors of psychological capital, culture, land, customs, values, beliefs, group behavior, and social identities to practice leadership and management.

In business administration, it is not simple to apply some kinds of leadership styles that require the leaders to use a flexible and creative way to find the appropriate leadership style, depending on the specific conditions and circumstances of the business.

“The art of transnational managers is that they show the required flexibility to cultural differences, know the staff well, are aware of their needs and respect for the differences, recognize the motivations of the individuals and select a suitable leadership style to an appropriate level and take action to realize predefined goals.” (Taleghani, Salmani, and Taatian, 2010, p. 109). A style of leadership suited to the characteristics of developing countries will be the style of leadership in which the leader owns decisiveness, takes responsibility, and confidence, and timely decisions in tricky situations. In addition, the leader creates many favorable conditions for subordinates to bring into full their competence, intellect, creativity, and enthusiasm in work. Aycan (2004) concluded, “The cultural context in developing countries may present too many opportunities for global leaders. Loyalty, trust, and affection for the leader; the importance of harmonious interpersonal relationships; the desire to learn and motivation to develop; self-sacrifice for the well-being of the ‘in-group’.” (p. 19). One important characteristic of the appropriate leadership style is that it considers the ethnic, ethical, and cultural characteristics of developing countries’ people. Thus, it can be said that an appropriate leadership style is a highly intellectual product of the leader, demonstrating fluency in using different leadership styles in different situations in a multicultural environment.