The Impact of the Perceived Expatriates' Leadership Styles on Thai Subordinates' Intention to Share Knowledge

Many studies have examined the managerial factors, organizational factors and cultural factors that affect knowledge sharing behavior as well as intrinsic and extrinsic motivation factors related to the intention to share knowledge. Few researches have examined how manager's leadership styles affect the intention to share knowledge of subordinates. The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of the perceived expatriates' leadership styles on Thai subordinates' intention to share knowledge, based on the Managerial Grid theory. Data was collected from Thai subordinates who directly reported to expatriate managers in Thai subsidiaries of Multinational Corporations. The results indicated that Thai subordinates under expatriates with a high concern for people had a strong intention to share knowledge. The intention to share knowledge of Thai subordinates under expatriates with a low concern for people was lower than those under expatriates with a high concern for people. Furthermore, the expatriates' concern for results did not significantly affect the subordinates' intention to share knowledge. Consequently, team management style and country-club management style are recommended for expatriates to promote knowledge sharing in the organizations.