Hotel Industry Leadership in Greater China—A Biographical Comparison

What is it about?

A biographical comparison is conducted to analyze leadership traits in the hospitality industry context of an Asian leader, Mr. Stephen Ho (President for Greater China of Hyatt Global Operation) and a non-Asian (European) leader, Mr. Ricco de Blank (CEO of Sun Hung Kai Properties Hotel Section). Information about each of the two leaders is assembled, analyzed, and then compared with reference to their respective backgrounds, characteristics and families as these have impacted on their leadership styles. The findings show the continuing influence of Confucian values within Asia and that leadership styles and behaviors can also be shaped by a Western cultural background. The two subjects have exercised charisma in leading their respective companies to success.

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Why is it important?

Theoretical implications for scholars through understanding the real-life example in profiling Asian and non-Asian leadership within the Asian environment. This article has elaborated on the differences between Chinese and Western organizational (i.e. owner) behaviors in running businesses with respect to management control and the reflection of core values. A practical implication for the organization is hiring a CEO/president that fits their organizational culture and addresses potential challenges in this ever-changing environment. One educational implication for future leaders is the importance of learning from admired leaders. This is more about being inspired by their stories, rather than ‘following their footsteps’ hence the merit of the current research approach.

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