Steve DeKrey is programme director of MBA and EMBA programmes at the University of Science and Technology (HKUST). He has conducted substantial research into leadership issues, and teaches leadership programmes to students in Hong Kong and on the mainland. Here he gives us his views on what makes a good leader and how effective leadership can benefit an organisation.
What are the characteristics that define effective leaders and do they differ across cultures?
There are some universally accepted characteristics of leaders that we all tend to agree on. These include competence, honesty and an ability to look to the future. Since coming to Asia around 14 years ago, I have discovered that these sought-after characteristics are the same here as they are across Europe, the United States and other parts of the world.
On top of these, leaders today need to understand the macroeconomic issues and environment they work in. We're really looking for global leaders today, leaders who can respond to diversity. It's the same whether these leaders come from China, the rest of Asia or anywhere else in the world.
Are there any styles of leadership that are most conducive to success?
I do a lot of research in different styles of leadership, by which we really mean the personality of the leader, and I have discovered that leadership style is not overly predictive of success. All styles can be very successful and there is certainly no dream style. Because of this, when it comes to teaching about leadership in the classroom we aim to get candidates to build on whatever style they already have and to turn it into their own special approach to leadership - everyone has a different approach.