Asian CEOs have been brought into the spotlight after Microsoft promoted Satya Nadella, from Hyderabad, India as their third CEO. It’s obviously a positive move for those who take interest in minorities in the boardroom. According to the 2012 Alliance for Board Diversity Census, Missing Pieces: Women and Minorities on Fortune 500 Boards, Fortune 100 and 500 company boardmembers are composed of approximately 70% Caucasian men. There’s obviously a glaring imbalance to equal rights in the boardroom.
Though one could come up with a number of reasons why Asians are passed by in the career ladder in Western societies, why would they face the same challenge within Asia – and often in their own countries? If you consider reasons why Asian CEOs are driven to succeed you have to wonder why more organizations are not following Microsoft’s example.
The Bamboo Ceiling
The Asian Glass Ceiling or as Jane Hyun calls it, the Bamboo Ceiling permeates the world. Hyun, author of Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: Career Strategies for Asians identifies the following 3 factors that hinder the rise of Asian-Americans in their careers. Unfortunately, the same 3 factors create limitations for Asians within their own countries and region.
- Individual – Personal limitations including communication skills and lack of exposure to international experience are two reasons why many Asian’s are overlooked for the C-Level career path.
- Cultural – The halo effect of a Caucasian CEOs is prevalent through much of Asia. It’s generally assumed that peers, customers and competitors will view the company as more successful with a European or North American CEO.
- Organizational Factors – Organization culture, demographic legacy and battles between the workforce generations are all hurdles for the average Asian to be promoted as a chief in their own country, especially in multinational corporations.
It’s not all bad news. According to McKinsey & Company, Japan’s doing a fantastic job promoting employees as CEOs at 96% with India following at 78%. However, the challenge is there in other countries.
Asian Characteristics that Make Great Leaders
So what makes Asian’s so special? Why do some people, like myself, insist that they make great leaders? Well the answer is quite simple:
Asians work in environments which are far more dynamic and less stable than their Western counterparts.
Of course there are business rich countries such as Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and Singapore but then there are those with rapidly changing business environments due to internal and external pressures such as Myanmar, China, Vietnam, Pakistan and India. That’s not to say that the latter and others like them which have not yet reached stability don’t have successful businesses and leaders. Rather quite the opposite. They’re cultivating a breed of leaders who are stubborn, driven, and have a desperate desire to succeed – no matter what the odds. Sounds like an ideal CEO, doesn’t it?
Consider the CEO of Phaeng Mai Gallery in Laos, Viengkham Nanthavongdouangsy. She has a story straight out of a war novel, fleeing from Northern Laos to the capital, Vientiane during wartime. The inspiration for her textile gallery came from her mother who raised 4 children by weaving textiles after their father passed away. Another great Asian CEO, Wiryanti Sukamdani of Sahid Group in Indonesia was told by her father “We can fight not only in wartime but also in the economic field.” That’s the thing with Asian leaders – they know how to put up a fight.
If you want to read more on incredible Asian CEOs, take a look at 100 Next-Era CEO’s in Asia from Japan Times Ltd. Also give a shout-out to an Asian leader you feel is making a difference below. Recognizing these leaders is the first step to appreciating this group of people who are making vital changes around the world.
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