Southeast Asia: a kaleidoscope of cultural diversity

Southeast Asia is a diverse cultural region: its main historical constants are change and the parallel existence of multiple cultures. In this sense, Southeast Asia is a multicultural kaleidoscope that requires managerial versatility. The case of a Chinese-American investment banker who has to facilitate a Thai-Indonesian banking integration illustrates how leadership in Southeast Asia deals with relationships between actors. First of all, the chapter outlines the historical roots and changes in cultures and their multiplicity in Southeast Asia. Secondly, it highlights the applicability and limitations of the positivist perspective with regard to these cultures . Next, it presents the Mandala model as a specific way patron-client relations function in Southeast Asia and as an interpretive leadership approach. Afterwards, it reflects upon this model critically, asking, for instance, whether it might also result in nepotism.