Abstract
Rather than relying on a somewhat intuitive approach to selecting predictor measures, such as psychometric tests, to tap into performance measures, research has shown that the conceptual matching of predictors and criteria for a specific construct has resulted in higher validity estimates (Warr, 1999). Bartram (2005) took this notion one step further by arguing that a ‘criterion centric’ approach, focusing from the outset on the criterion rather than predictor(s), provides a more meaningful measure of the important aspect of workplace behaviours. In a criterion centric approach, the pairing of the predictor with relevant measurement of the criterion results in more accurate prediction of job performance, by allowing researchers and practitioners to specify and then measure which aspect of a criterion is best measured by certain predictors. Given the importance of understanding the criterion domain to increase the precision of appropriate measures, the present study focused on leadership effectiveness criteria of in a SE Asian organisation. The research investigates leadership effectiveness criterion in a SE Asian context where the economy is growing rapidly and where local leaders exercise their acquired Western leadership skills in the local context but in practice may be culturally unacceptable (Chan, 2004). Leadership studies, such as the GLOBE project, have identified global leadership traits, based on the assumption that culture varies between countries with leadership and management implications (Javidan et al, 2006). Therefore, we hope that the present study will also contribute to the leadership literature more generally, as empirical studies of leadership located in SE Asia which are still comparatively sparse compared to the body of evidence from the Western world (Taormina & Selvarajah, 2005).