Media interest in leadership continues apace and unabated. From the UK, leadership shows up in the actions of the banking sector. From Asia, leadership issues range from the culture clash at Olympus to the sniping about the 'depth of bow' given by non-Japanese CEOs of Japanese companies and the short-lived tenure of the US born chief executive of Nippon Sheet Glass. From Thailand and Indonesia it is leaders' close links with politics and what is seen as 'crony capitalism'. These (in)famous examples highlight the continued interest in leaders and leadership.

Central to all this interest in leadership is the simple, but not easy, question, what drives effective leadership? Based on theory, research and practice, it is believed that being an effective leader is a mix of three determining factors: country context (philosophical views that shape norms and patterns); organisational culture (unique culture and practices); and personal competence (personal style, traits and predispositions). Understanding of each of these three influences helps leaders know how to be more effective.

Professor Chris Rowley and Professor Dave Ulrich explore the idea of effective leadership further in the attached report. The report is now available for you to download below. Let us know what you think in the comments box.