The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in Leadership

In today's business world, organisations with diverse leadership teams are better positioned to navigate complex challenges, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth. Research consistently shows that companies with diverse executive teams outperform their less diverse counterparts, both in terms of financial performance and employee satisfaction. At JacksonGrant, we understand the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in recruitment, particularly when it comes to building dynamic and innovative leadership teams. However, promoting diversity in a predominantly mono-ethnic country like Thailand comes with its unique set of challenges.

The Diversity Challenge in Thailand

Thailand is often described as a "one-race" country, where over 90% of the population is ethnically Thai. While this creates a culturally cohesive society, it also presents challenges when it comes to promoting diversity in recruitment. The homogeneity of the population means that organisations can struggle to find candidates from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This lack of ethnic diversity can limit the perspectives available within leadership teams, potentially hindering innovation and global competitiveness.

In addition to ethnicity, gender diversity remains an area for improvement in Thailand’s corporate sector. While women make up 45% of the workforce, only 32% hold managerial positions, according to a McKinsey report on women in the workplace in Asia. For organisations looking to build a leadership team that reflects diverse perspectives and experiences, overcoming these challenges requires a deliberate and structured approach to recruitment. At JacksonGrant this is an area we closer analyse and I am pleased to share that between 51-53% of all our placements are female.

Why Diversity Matters for Leadership

Having a diverse leadership team isn't just a "nice-to-have"; it’s a business must. Diverse teams bring a wide range of perspectives that can lead to better decision-making, increased innovation, and improved problem-solving. In fact, companies with above-average gender diversity and employee engagement outperform those with below-average levels by 46% to 58%, according to a Gallup study on diversity and business performance in the Asia-Pacific region.

Diverse leaders also help create inclusive workplaces, where employees feel valued and engaged, resulting in lower turnover and higher productivity. For expat executives working in Thailand or other parts of the Asia-Pacific region, understanding the benefits of diversity is crucial when shaping a forward-thinking and competitive organisation.

Overcoming Challenges: How JacksonGrant Executive Can Help 

At JacksonGrant Executive, we specialise in recruitment services that emphasise inclusive hiring practices, helping companies overcome the challenges of promoting diversity in leadership roles. While Thailand's demographic makeup may seem limiting, our approach focuses on finding the right talent by looking beyond traditional pools of candidates and embracing a more holistic view of diversity.

1. Focusing on International Talent

Thailand has a large expat community, particularly in Bangkok, where professionals from various countries contribute to the economy. While ethnic diversity within the local population may be limited, bringing in international talent can enhance leadership teams. With over 3 million foreign workers currently in Thailand, expats bring fresh perspectives, cultural insights, and international expertise to the table.

Our recruitment approach at JacksonGrant aims to identify top-tier international talent who can seamlessly integrate with Thai teams, enhancing the cultural and strategic capabilities of leadership teams.

2. Promoting Gender Diversity

Gender diversity is another critical aspect of building inclusive leadership. While Thailand has made significant strides in improving gender representation in the workplace, there is still a noticeable gap at the executive level. Organisations need to proactively support the development and promotion of female leaders to create more balanced executive teams.

We work closely with organisations to identify female leadership talent, ensuring that capable women are given the opportunity to step into senior roles. From our experience in Asia, we’ve seen that empowering woman in leadership roles results in improved organisational dynamics, stronger team performance, and greater market innovation.

3. Cultural Intelligence and Leadership

While diversity often focuses on gender or ethnicity, cultural diversity, especially in a globalised economy, is equally important. Expat executives, in particular, must navigate the nuances of Thai culture and workplace dynamics. Cultural intelligence is critical for executives leading cross-cultural teams or working in a multinational setting.

At JacksonGrant Executive, we prioritise cultural intelligence when recruiting for leadership roles. This ensures that leaders not only understand local customs but also possess the skills to bridge cultural divides and foster collaboration across diverse teams. A focus on cultural competence allows leaders to navigate challenges smoothly, promoting harmony within the organisation. For those companies that wish for assistance in cultural transitioning, we offer a coaching service via our certified ICF coach, Dr. Larry Persons, who has devoted his life to culture intelligence. 

The Benefits of a Diverse Leadership Team

Creating a diverse and inclusive leadership team can result in numerous tangible benefits, both for organisations operating in Thailand and across the Asia-Pacific region.

1. Improved Innovation and Creativity

Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives, which often leads to more creative solutions to complex business challenges. By fostering an environment where different viewpoints are encouraged, companies can drive innovation and better adapt to a rapidly changing market landscape.

2. Enhanced Employee Engagement

Leaders who value and promote diversity help to create an inclusive work culture, where employees feel recognised and valued. In turn, this leads to greater employee engagement, improved morale, and lower turnover rates. Companies with inclusive cultures are 1.7 times more likely to be innovation leaders in their industry, according to a study by Deloitte on inclusion and innovation in Asia-Pacific organisations.

3. Better Financial Performance

There is a well-documented link between diversity and financial performance. Organisations with diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform their competitors on profitability, according to a McKinsey study on diversity in the workplace in Asia. Diverse leadership is not only a moral and ethical choice but also a sound business strategy that can enhance organisational success.

Balancing Tradition with Progress

For businesses in Thailand, balancing tradition with progress is crucial. While the country’s rich cultural heritage is a source of pride, embracing diversity and inclusion in leadership is essential for staying competitive in today’s global market. At JacksonGrant, we understand the need to respect local customs while also pushing for greater diversity in leadership. Our recruitment strategies are designed to find the right balance, ensuring that organisations can build dynamic teams that respect tradition but are also forward-thinking and globally competitive.

Fostering Diverse Leadership in Thailand

Promoting diversity and inclusion in leadership is essential for building dynamic, innovative, and competitive teams in Thailand. While the country's largely homogeneous population presents certain challenges, these can be overcome by embracing international talent, promoting gender diversity, and focusing on cultural intelligence. At JacksonGrant, we are committed to helping organisations navigate these challenges, ensuring that they have the leadership teams they need to thrive in today’s global economy.

To learn more about our recruitment services and how we can help your organisation build an inclusive leadership team, get in touch with us today.