The Determinants of Leadership of Managers in Songkhla Province, Southern Thailand : The Role of Individual Differences in Leadership Behaviour

This study investigated the relationship between individual differences and leadership behaviour. The investigation centred on the leadership behaviour exhibited by the managers at the workplace and outside the workplace. Individual differences, nature of organisation and personality dimensions were used as; the independent variables to predict leadership behaviour. The questionnaire survey method was used to gather the
data. One hundred and seventy three managers in the Songkhla province, Thailand, completed the questionnaire which provided bibliographical information and
measurements of leadership behaviour and personality traits. The leadership behaviour measurement, which is subdivided into the Behavioral and B io-history
leadership components adapted from Arvey, et al. (2003), and the five-factor personality measurement (NEO PIFFI) (Costa & McCrlae, 1989, 1992) were used. It was conceptualised that leadership could be predicted by individual differences and personality dimension would differentiate leadership behaviour. The findings show that Educational level, Monthly income, Agreeableness and
Extraversion have contributed towards Behavioural leadership. Age, Monthly income, and Educational level, and Extraversion are contributing significantly towards the
Bio-history leadership. Age, Educational level and Extraversion are contributing significantly towards the Overall Leadership Behaviour (Behavioural + Bio-history).