Leadership in Thailand (4)

The major point of discussion was how to define the concept of gender and leadership in the Thai context. In Thailand females hold significant leadership positions in national and local government, universities, business corporations and family business enterprises (Picavet, 2005;and Yukondi, 2005). Thai business operations are competing in an increasingly global environment, and female managers and entrepreneurs make substantial
contributions in many industrial sectors.

However, females continue to be underrepresented at higher organisational levels, and only a small proportion of
females make it to the top of Thai organisations (Yukongdi, 2005). Recent official statistics show that females are underrepresented in top management positions in both private and public organisations, despite continuing improvements in educational achievements (Charmpoonod, 2001; Marie Col, Meksawan,
Sopchokchai, 2001; Picavet, 2005, and Yukondi, 2005).

Leadership in Thailand (3)

The highlight of the workshop was speech and stories from H.E. Mr. James Wise, the Australian Ambassador to Thailand. Mr.Wise shared with us a number of his stories leading a cross-cultural team in Russia and Malaysia . The stories include a number of interesting leadership styles that Mr. Wise reflected upon his experiences with people from different walks of life.

                        H.E. Mr. James wise and the participants in the Workshop

We also need to acknowledge Mr. Scott Evans  and Khun Watinee Khanwong from Australian Education International (AEI). Scott spent most time with us talking about the structure of Australian education and public sector system. I believe the participants who will be the future leaders at the Ministry will remain their good bonds with Australia. K. Watinee has been a wonderful management person for the project. She also actively participated in the conversation with everyone to promote understanding about Australian education sector (and management). For your information, K. Watinee graduated from the school of communication studies, RMIT University.

          Scott and his presentation on Australian education system/public sector

                Our conversation with Khun Scott and and Khun Watinee

Leadership in Thailand (2)

Most participants in the project are from the Ministry of Education. Most of them are from planning and policy department which requires a strong level of leadership. The key points for discussion was what type of leadership that fit in the inflexible structure of the department? Some said charismatic, some said participative....We came up with a number of ideas and samples from the Ministry.

Leadership in Thailand (1)

Hi Folks,

Like all workshops, the key component for this project is the participants. We were very lucky to be supported by the Ministry of Education and Australian Education International in the recruitment of future leaders from the Thai public sector. They were actively engaged in all activities and contributed back to each other in terms of sharing their thoughts and experiences on leadership styles in the Thai public sector. 

                                        Group discussion on leadership behaviour on Day 1

                Delegates from OBEC reflecting upon her experiences on leadership and management

                                   Case Analysis: Organisational Culture and Behaviour

                                            Self-Reflection on Public Sector Management

                                                    Discussion on Australian Leadership 

A Thought from the training

I would like to share this VDO from our leadership project training in Thailand with the Australian Embassy and AEI.

The Training Day

Dear Friends,

The workshop is scheduled on this coming Thursday and Friday at the Graduate School of Commerce, Burapha University @ the United Centre Building in Silom (close to Saladang Train Station). Please come to level 14A at 9.00 on Thursday and we will be there for you.

I am really excited about having the Australia ambassador HE Mr. James Wise to be one of the speakers. Learning from his experiences in terms of cross-cultural leadership and alignment among public-private leaders must have been interesting and valuable for all of us (at least for me).

cheers,