so where are the top asian mnc execs

8/6/2019 So Where Are the Top Asian MNC Execs

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SOURCE > The Business TimesDATE > Wednesday,29 June 2011PAGE > 26

So, where are the top Asian MNC execs?More Asian leaders need to make an impact in boardrooms of major Western corporationsBy STEPHEN KREMPL

AS Western multinational corporations (MNCs) turn to Asia for business growth to make up for weak economies in the United States and Europe, their challenge is not just openingup the marketplace but finding and building ranks of ethnic Asians who can lead their organisations.

No one doubts that this is the century of Asia, powered by the twin engines of China and India. Every major global MNC - from Pepsi toPfizer - is eyeing the region's middle class and spending power. However, many global CEOs are lamenting how few Asians they have intheir ranks to fill top executive positions.

The MNC is an essentially Western phenomenon which emerged nearly 50 years ago. Well into the Asian century, it will likely remaindominated by Western corporations for another 50 years. Their financial strength, brand values, corporate cultures and global reach arefar ahead of most Asian companies. Except for a handful of Japanese and Korean global names and some emerging Indian technologymajors, few Asian corporations can claim to be global MNCs.

In my work among Western MNCs, their human resource leaders consistently - but quietly - complain the lack of leadership talentamong non-Caucasians, even in Asia itself. The shortage is coming at a time when these MNCs need Asian leaders most. Asians oftentop the Deans' Lists of Ivy League colleges. Despite being technically sound and armed with the best degrees, Asians are often perceivedto lack the 'X' factor needed for executive roles in MNCs.

Asian cultures emphasise humility, respect for elders, rote learning and academic grades. These appear to have left Asians self-effacing and behind in the emotional quotient scale,especially in the MNC environment. Discipline and sense of quiet achievement may have powered Asia's economic growth, but if you aspire to lead in a global MNCs, your boss islooking for something more.


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In this process, the Asian need not lose his or her identity, which may erode respect among peers. But you can, when needed, be a little more outspoken in interactions withWestern colleagues.

So, in one-on-one situations or conference calls speak up, ask the hard questions you may have. Don't back down if you have a valid idea and fade into the background. Silence isnot always golden. Break the Asian habit of not responding spontaneously to questions posed by figures of authority.

Go meet the bosses when they fly in. Inject a little more zest when addressing a crowd at corporate headquarters.

Asians can develop this global executive mindset the 'Romans' are looking for. All it takes is alittle effort to get out of the comfort zone and take the road to Rome and corporate success.

Stephen Krempl, a Singaporean who was until recently chief learning officer of Starbucks based in Seattle, is CEO of Integrative Learning Corporation in Singapore and of KremplCommunications in the United States


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so where are the top asian mnc execs

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