Leadership

Leadership styles within companies are varying between Western and Eastern, based on political reign, cultural values and historical events. The leadership characteristic of passion is very prominent in western culture and is a desirable trait whereas in Asia they tend to be less emotional and have an increased self-awareness.

The most common leadership style within Asian companies is directive. The downside is that this type of leadership may contribute to a lack of employee retention. However, the new generation has started to adopt a more empowering approach in order to groom a more capable workforce.
In Western companies, the directive approach leading style was common, but it has seen a large decline in its popularity as the empowering style as well as democratic and charismatic styles are on the rise. Democratic style encourages employees to be part of the process which creativity and contribution are applauded and promoted.

Reference: DQ mills, 2005; Asian and American Leadership Styles: How Are They Unique? Available at: http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/4869.html