LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES FROM ENTREPRENEURS IN SOUTH KOREA AND THAILAND

Abstract

The author is a senior researcher at the Management as a Liberal Art Research Institute. He recounts his recent research as a result of travels through Asia, regarding entrepreneurship and leadership in South Korea and Thailand, where he “had the opportunity to meet entrepreneurs and learn how they manage and lead their organizations.” He and a translator “traveled across large cities, small towns, and the countryside, meeting people who founded different types of organizations. We spoke to 30 entrepreneurs in South Korea and 42 entrepreneurs in Thailand who represented a wide range of missions, from for-profit organizations to social enterprises.” He notes that “Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism are all important influences in South Korea, and have helped shape Korean identity and culture.” In Thailand, “Thai entrepreneurs told us that they do not see themselves as leaders. However, they described specific characteristics and behaviors they perceive to be associated with leaders and leadership.” Commonalities of characteristics and behaviors for both sets of entrepreneurs were, in his words, Ethical/virtue Moral character/morality; Benevolent/kindness; Compassionate/compassion; Promote welfare of others/authentic regard for people; Seek the greater good/genuine care for society; Mindful/mindfulness.