For the purposes of this class, we have been studying leadership from the perspective of Northouse’s textbook, Leadership Theory and Practice. It is safe to assume that this textbook is written in regard to Western ideals of leadership, since the book was published in the US and Northouse himself is a professor at Western Michigan University and earned his doctorate at the University of Denver. Western culture is dominated by individualism, and this is seen in leadership theory. The leader is emphasized as someone special, someone who has unique skills that differ from the followers (Northouse, 2019). Collectivism instead focuses on the group, what is best for the group as a whole, and relationships within the group. Does leadership theory differ in non-Western cultures?
China is a well-known collectivist society, as reflected in their socialist market economy and cultural practices. A study on Eastern Chinese Women and Entrepreneurial Leadership noted that most women “adopted an achievement-oriented style of leadership” consisting of “high initiating structure and high consideration” (Li et al., 2013). This aligns with the Eastern culture ideals of considering the whole society or the whole company as a collective (Li et al., 2013). The high structure creates conformity and harmony according to Eastern ideals. High consideration also relates to prioritizing employee relationships, which is also a collectivist ideal. This study shows that the collectivist society infiltrates into the leadership style and theory.
Another study analyzes Paternalistic leadership, which is not often analyzed in Western culture, but is widely prevalent in the majority of the world (Jackson, 2016). Paternalism is not looked at in leadership theory or practices in Western culture. This is because it has mainly negative connotations, and is associated with a lack of freedom and infantilizing the citizens. However, “more recent research typically defines paternalistic leadership as ‘a style that combines strong discipline and authority with fatherly benevolence’”(Jackson, 2016). The benevolence includes “an individualized concern for subordinates’ personal well-being” (Jackson, 2016). The high power associated with the leader in paternalism also has negative connotations in the West. However, this all comes down to societal values, collectivism versus socialism. The duality of control and care is not as attractive to the West as other cultures.
A subsection of paternalism further separates the reality of paternalism and the negative connotation of the paternalism that the West portrays. The concept of benevolent paternalism involves a caring leader similar to a father who cares for children. This concept results in loyalty and respect for the leader from the followers because the leader cares for their wellbeing and success. However, exploitive paternalism involves a leader that is caring towards followers, but the end goal is to gain compliance to achieve the leader’s interests (Jackson, 2016). This difference may be situational and a leader may switch between benevolent paternalism and exploitative paternalism. Jackson describes that “Within a collectivist society, a benevolent paternalistic relationship may only exist between in-group members, whereas out-group members may be treated in a completely different way (perhaps in an authoritarian way)” (Jackson, 2016). There are downsides to those not in the leader’s inner circle within paternalism, the favorite child will receive more care and attention.
The research on non-Western leadership theory has not been publicized in the West, making it unknown. We assume it is “worse” or “damaging” compared to our own leadership practices in the West. However, making this assumption without the proper study of these cultures and their values is ignorant. We, as Americans, could learn from non-Western leadership practices in many ways to improve our own leadership skills.
References:
Jackson, T. (2016). Paternalistic leadership: The missing link in cross-cultural leadership studies? International Journal of Cross Cultural Management. 16(1):3-7. doi:10.1177/1470595816637701
Li, C., Bao, L., & Jiang, Q. (2013). Leadership Styles of Entrepreneurial Women in Eastern China: Characteristics and Differences, Social Behavior and Personality. 41 (3): 421-431. doi: https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2013.41.3.421
Northouse, P.G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Hi Amanda,
This is a great blog post! I am also interested in the difference between the Eastern and Western styles of leadership, from its individualist and collectivist cultural background. The two vastly different approaches to leadership have their pros and cons. As you mentioned, in non-Western paternalism the out-group members are often treated in an authoritarian way. On the other hand, Western thoughts are to be with fewer social networks and low emotional competence, which can influence the leadership. There should be a middle ground for the best possible approach to leadership, with respect to the culture and environment context, and yes, we should learn from others to improve our leadership practices.
Amanda,
I enjoyed reading your blog and the content really piqued my interest. I had not really given much thought to leadership styles beyond Western society, but it indeed worth noting. In our readings on leadership, there was quite a bit to say about leadership styles the are both referent and expert in that they promote loyal and productive followers.
Would it be possible to suggest that the style you describe as Paternalism would incorporate these traits?
Also, I can see the reluctance in Western culture to “be part of a whole” and working only for the betterment of society – and yet, when you look (at least on the surface) at companies such as Google, Facebook, and Apple, they try to promote meritocracy, which has a “people-run” dynamic to it – and it seems to flourish.
I say, “on the surface” because there remains a CEO, Supervisors, VP’s, etc., so I am not really sure how “people-run” those companies truly are.
Again, I enjoyed your perspective and the education between Eastern and Western cultural leadership styles. Thank you.