Industrial leadership within the United Arab Emirates: How does personality influence the leadership effectiveness of Indian expatriates?

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the influence of personality traits on leadership effectiveness of Indian expatriates working in the United Arab Emirates. Survey data were collected from 152 Indian expatriates, who currently work in different organizations in the United Arab Emirates. In order to find out the relationship between leadership, personality traits and personal characteristics, Pearson’s correlation (two tailed) matrix methods was used and considered only 1% and 5% statistically significant results for interpreting the relationships. It was found that there was an association between personality traits and leadership effectiveness skills. Analysis demonstrated that the traits relating to pro-activity, extroversion and enthusiasm were the most significant predictors of leadership skills. The sample size of Indian Expatriates is small in relation to the population it represents. Given the large expatriate workforce in the UAE, results of this study can be used in training and development when trying to enhance leadership capabilities in industries heavily staffed by expatriates. When expatriates are appraising themselves they may benefit from having a more realistic picture of their own capabilities. The findings will suggest initiating leadership and personality development programs to assist in developing the leadership areas in need of enhancement, and additionally the need for more appropriate succession planning within organizations. Established research on the connection between personality of expatriates and its effectiveness has been limited. This study is the first of its kind in the UAE and was conducted in a highly diverse work environment.