Showing papers by "K C Patrick Low published in 2008"

Father Leadership: The Malaysian Perspective

Abstract: In this interview study, the author unveils that the Malaysian Government is leading through the father leadership way; such a leadership style can be argued to be widely practiced within the country. An analysis is also made of the management approach, problems and prospects of father leadership as practiced in Malaysia. In brief, the value of the study is that it supplies several useful lessons for businesses and political analysts in Malaysia to better understand the Government's paternalistic tendencies in ensuring the country's political stability and economic growth.

Are Singaporeans Pragmatic

Abstract: In this study, through literature reviews, focus groups and a series of interviews, Singaporeans appears to be embracing pragmatism. The research reveals that Singapore corporate leaders are pragmatic; they put forth their perceptions of being pragmatic in their thinking and orientations. Singaporeans prefer "what's practical" and "what works". An analysis and discussion of the implications of the findings follow this, and interestingly, the findings also cast light on certain aspects of the Singapore National Character.

Crisis Management: Can Core Values Be Considered as a Built-In Safety Net? The Singapore Case Perspective

Abstract: This research paper highlights Singaporean leaders and Singaporeans as embracing the core values of pro-activeness, achievement, prudence and other key Singapore values which are vital to the island-Republic's efficiency and progress. Indeed these core values serve as a preparation and planning against crisis. With input through interviews with forty-three corporate leaders, key Singapore values are put forth as being critical to built-in crisis preparedness, prevention and containment among employees within organisations (and also citizens within the Republic).

Fraud Prevention, the Corporate Cultural Way: A Singapore Case Study

Abstract: Through literature survey, a series of focus group sessions and semi-structured interviews with several Singapore corporate leaders of small and medium businesses, this case study examines key fraud preventative measures. While several preventative measures are highlighted, the emphasis here is in creating a strong culture with the leader, the torchbearer, setting the undertone. In other words, the "heart-ware" perspective or the corporate cultural way of fraud prevention is given a special focus.

Negotiation & Stress: Beating Stress, Becoming a Better Negotiator!

Abstract: This paper discusses a literature survey consisting of three focus groups sessions and interviews are conducted with 35 business leaders and managers. The researcher uncovers the key causes of stress among negotiators in Singapore. Interestingly, the primary cause or stressor is the negotiators' lack of preparation and this state of un-preparedness may lead to a host of other stressors (negotiation errors), that is, wrong words and questions, wrong time/timing; wrong venue and lack of flexibility. A vital upshot of this study is that, while examining "coping" ways to reduce stress during negotiations, the researcher also adds value to the research by highlighting key strategies and ways to improve one's negotiating techniques.

Trends in Retail Trade Patterns in Transitional Economies: The Almaty Case Study

Abstract: In this paper, using the Singapore city-state and other world city examples, the authors examine the development of the Almaty retail trade. The full range of typical types of shopping areas can be seen in the city-state and other examples, from what were originally traditional markets and bazaars, but have now been modified to suit other niche markets, to modern world-class shopping centers and streets. Here, through comparisons and benchmarking, learning points are made to specify the benefits for Almaty if it is to grow into a modern urban center in Kazakhstan, if not, in Central Asia.

Marketing and Culture Matters in Central Asia

Abstract: In most cases, the gamble for marketers in international marketing is not knowing the key cultural factors to market in target foreign markets such as in Kazakhstan/Central Asia. Here, the author examines several cultural dimensions to understand Kazakhstan/Central Asia as the target market's distinctive cultural traits to ensure the acceptance and success of the marketers. Culture, a set of core values and customs, exists to satisfy the needs of the people within a society. It offers order, and gives direction and guidance. Culture also offers standards or rules on what is appropriate and what is not appropriate; and in most instances, the impact of culture, in our everyday behavior, is so natural and automatic.

The Father Leadership with Special Reference to Negara Brunei Darussalam

Abstract: Several countries in Asia such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, their leaders and governments practise a benevolent type of leadership, the father leadership style. Paternal or maternal authority captures the expectations of concern and nurtures the belief that people or staff should be treated like the leader’s family members, and that the “all-in-the-family” feeling and the leader-followers’ bonding/ relationship matters. Desirable qualities in a leader are to be expert and knowledgeable - knowing what to do in a wide range of situations for the people’s good. The leader cares and shows concern for the well-being and welfare of his people. In this paper, it is this author’s conviction that leading, the father leadership way, can create a competitive advantage for growing transitional economies. Here in Negara Brunei Darussalam, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah’s leadership based on the national philosophy of Melayu Islam Beraja (Malay, Muslim and Monarchy) can, in some ways, be seen as father leadership in action. Father leadership examples are then shown and illustrated in Brunei context.

Who Art Tao (and How Can Thou Excel in Negotiation)

Abstract: When interviewing several Taoist practitioners and proponents of Aikido and various "do"(Tao) martial artists, the researcher uncovers the relevance and applications of Lao Tzu's Tao De Ching in business negotiations. In this paper, the researcher extracts and cites twelve key principles of the Tao De Ching applicable to negotiation. He interestingly relates how the esoteric 2,500 year old Chinese wisdom, Tao De Ching can still be relevant and practical in managing business negotiations.

Applying Ancient Wisdom When Negotiating with Others - The Ways of Jesus

Abstract: The author, in this paper, applies the invaluable ancient wisdom ways of historic Jesus and unveils interesting insights, lessons and techniques that can be applied when negotiating with other parties in our business or even in our daily lives. The key points illustrating the invaluable Jesus’ ways in drawing strengths, and enabling us to be more effective negotiators are (i) having higher super-ordinate goal, (ii) having an ‘abundance’ attitude, (iii) treating people as equals, (iv) exchanging or engaging in reciprocal behavior, (v) communicating, sharing and illustrating, (vi) relating with the other parties; (vii) being ethical; and (viii) leading by setting examples.

Leadership Thoughts to Build Your Life On – Leading, the Jesus Way

Abstract: Leadership, the driving force of organizations, has played a crucial role in every organization, society, and nation and in this paper, the researcher-author shows leadership as exemplified by the historic Jesus, and there is so much to learn from the wisdom of this Galilean man; here, we can derive leadership parallels, lessons and insights when leading people, the Jesus way. Internalizing the higher goal and with love and compassion, such leaders – people-centered – who follow the Jesus way can accomplish much.

Beyond the Financials: Fraud Management and Corporate Culture

Abstract: This paper through literature review, focus group sessions and in depth interviews with several Singapore corporate leaders, discusses fraud management and its key preventive measures. While several preventive measures are highlighted, the emphasis here is on creating a strong culture with the leader, the torchbearer and setting the undertone. In short, the heart-ware perspectives of fraud prevention are given a special focus.

Tao and Negotiation - Excelling in Harmonizing with Others

Abstract: In this qualitative study, through interviews with 31 Taoists and proponents of Aikido, the researcher uncovers the relevance and applications of Lao Tzu's Tao De Ching in business negotiations. This paper's intention is to look at Tao De Ching, understand its key tenets, and interestingly relate how the esoteric Tao De Ching can still be relevant and practical. Indeed, this 2,500 years-old Chinese wisdom can and should be aptly applied in modern negotiations.

Computer and Communication Technologies for Negotiations

Abstract: Negotiation can be taken as an interpersonal decision-making process necessary whenever we cannot achieve our objectives single-handedly (Thompson, 2005: 2). This means that parties are committed to peaceful means for resolving their dispute; they have to make a decision about their interdependent goals or objectives (Lewicki & Litterer, 1985). Computer and communications technologies such as phone, faxes, e-mailing, internet, e-commerce, teleconferencing, instant messaging, and other information systems embedded with sophisticated negotiation algorithm (Grunbacher (2003)) are being used in the process of negotiations by involved organizations to achieve the goal of negotiation in their business deals. This papers deals with issues such as transparency in negotiations and e-negotiations versus auctions, negative and positive aspects of technology and human face to face negotiations. Last section presents a list of negotiation softwares, and some major trends in the technology (Information Systems) in relation to e-negotiations.

The Typical Conflict Resolution Ways of a Bruneian

Abstract: The typical conflict resolution ways of the Bruneians: One of the key conclusions of the research is that in Brunei, with a small population of less than 400 thousand people, everyone knows everyone, and conflict is perceived as a sensitive issue that is best avoided. To gain better cultural insights of the commonly practiced conflict resolution ways, proverbs as expressed by the interviewees were also highlighted.

Negotiation Ways According to the Warring Kingdom Gods

Abstract: Traditional Chinese worship the three Warring general-turned Gods: Liu Bei, Guan Kong also known as Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei; they are popularly known in ‘The Romance of the Three Kingdoms’ for their military prowess. In this paper, the researcher-writer shares some interesting insights, drawing negotiation learning parallels from each of the ways of the Sworn Brother Gods - Red-faced God, White-faced God, and Black-faced God.

Anti-Money Laundering Knowing Your Customer - Plain Business Sense

Abstract: In the light of the infamous 911 – the terrorist attack of New York World Trade Center on 9 Sep 2001, financial institutions should not only screen, but also know their customers well. Here, the author examines (in the Singapore context – though applicable elsewhere too) the notion and practice of knowing one’s customers: this makes not only good business sense, but also allows for both best account management and excellent regulatory practices. Such good practices thus allow enhancements of the financial institution’s fight against money-laundering with an added but subtle way of combating terrorism.

Countering Terrorism and the Theory of Influential Leadership - It's the People Who Should Be Swayed!

Abstract: In this paper, the writer examines the various ways to counter terrorism. Because the enemy can be anyone, they can come from any segment of the society or that they cannot be easily or readily identified, counter-terrorism should not be specific to any one field or organization; rather, it involves entities from all levels of society. And overall, to fight against terrorism, it is not to boycott or to punish the other party but… In this paper, the theory of influential leadership is put forth, and indeed, the leaders need to be convincing and ultimately, it’s the people who must be swayed!

Excuse Me, Your Culture or Mine? Culture as an Excuse

Abstract: Culture has been conveniently used and applied to mask, hide and/ or even rationalize an individual’s or even a society’s preference and/ or actions. In this paper, it is hoped that through the use of negative examples or otherwise, readers can perhaps understand or learn more about the cultures of the peoples and the countries, chiefly, Kazakhstan in Central Asia. Besides, international officers and expatriates, in understanding another country’s culture, have to be open-minded, putting themselves in another’s shoes, developing a high sense of cultural empathy and indeed, being sincere.

Fraud Prevention/ Management and Corporate Values - the Singapore Perspective

Abstract: Through literature review, focus group sessions and in-depth interviews with several Singapore corporate leaders, this paper examines the key fraud preventive measures. While several preventive measures are highlighted, the emphasis here is on creating a strong culture with the leader, the value bearer, setting the cultural undertone. Here, the "heart-ware" or value orientation spectrum of fraud prevention is given a special focus. The leader sets the example and is very much a hands-on supervisor; indeed, many attendant advantages in fraud prevention then exist with such hands-on supervision.