Analysis of Cultural Factors in Leadership and Succession Practices in Taiwan Businesses

The purpose of this study was to examine Taiwanese leadership styles and succession practices, by reviewing current theory and practice and by conducting interviews with ten leaders of Taiwanese enterprises. The discussion with these leaders focused on their personal characteristics and behaviors related to their leadership styles, their leadership approaches, their relationship with their subordinates, the effects of their leadership styles and their succession practices. The interview data were also analyzed within the context of the literature review’s discussion on the characteristics of Chinese leadership and the traditional Chinese family enterprise. The analysis of the data indicated that the leadership styles and succession practices of Chinese business enterprises differ radically from their Western counterparts. The study showed that even though these ten Taiwanese businesses share common cultural traits, they have adopted different leadership approaches and succession practices. Finally, this research concludes that contemporary Taiwanese business enterprises could improve their leadership approaches by integrating Eastern and Western values