Leadership style desired by youth in Asia

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the styles that are desirable in a leader in the perspective of youth in Asia, particularly Brunei Darussalam and South Korea. Thus, by investigating it using the Path Goal Theory as its approach, this study provides leaders with the desirable leadership style to motivate and influence the youth.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a quantitative method with a proportionate stratified sampling method using the criteria of age of youth defined by UNESCO. The data then collected using a face-to-face method of a questionnaire from February 2016 till June 2016.

Findings

The evidence depicts that Bruneian youth prefers directive leadership while South Korean youth prefers supportive leadership. This finding is based on the selected styles that are desirable by the youth and their choice is also influenced by culture. This may imply that culture has a large impact which can determine the leadership styles best suited to the environment.

Research limitations/implications

Since the research has limited sample sizes and geographical location, this can lead to future research by considering more regions of different continents to determine whether different leadership preference still persists. This study can also be used as a basis to consider other factors in investigating leadership preference in Asian countries.

Originality/value

This paper identifies and encourages the need to study leadership style that is desirable among youth.

Citation

Nor Amin, N.A., Wuen, C.H. and Ismail, A. (2017), "Leadership style desired by youth in Asia", Journal of Management Development, Vol. 36 No. 10, pp. 1206-1215. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMD-01-2017-0028