Thailand ranked highly for women bosses

The improvement reflects more women than last year reporting themselves to be in managerial positions and earning above median income.

Australia had the highest index of 96.1, while the pan-regional index score across 14 markets edged up from 71.6 in 2008 to 72.4 in 2009.

Thailand also had the highest percentage of women in Asia Pacific who saw themselves as making financial decisions for their households, with 77.8% of the women surveyed saying so.

Executive Recruitment: Character plays a key decision role

Although the Thai public opinion has become somewhat immune to scandals and their media coverage, the issue of “character” is surely on the minds of many International HR Directors and local recruiters as they seek senior-level executives.

While not a new focus, finding individuals with integrity is on the forefront simply because of the publicity surrounding many “tainted” projects at Suvanaphum airport and other infrastructure works. The new government has announced a long list of new public works to stimulate the economy and international companies are concerned (not) to find themselves confronted with unpleasant surprises a couple of years down the road.

Today, companies are looking beyond the resumes, the references, the “pedigree”, the psychological tests, and the performances during interviews.

As a candidate, you should be aware of some unique ways that search firms like us and even more, in-house hiring managers are looking at their potential leaders-employees. Those in charge of screening candidates are drawing on unusual strategies to find out information not readily available during the typical interview. Don’t be surprised if you're asked to attend a sport event or a dinner out. Sounds great, but what may seem like a fun night out may cost you that targeted executive position.

Here’s some insight to what companies are looking for in a senior executive and what strategies are used:

• Be aware of the question “tell me about your mother or father.” It may seem like an ice breaker, when in fact it is a question with far reaching impact. In many cases the values of a parent are also the values of the candidate, and that is what we and the employer are looking for. Compliments on a parent’s work ethic, integrity, and so on can give a good picture of what it is that you value as well. How you were raised and your relationship with a parent frequently has a major impact on performance at the executive level.

• Warning: Should a recruiter ride along with you in your car through the congested streets of Bangkok, pay attention to your driving style and behaviour while behind the wheel. This can quickly show your reaction to a stressful situation. Courtesy, patience (too little, too much) and aggressiveness are qualities that become quite obvious behind the wheel. Just remember who you’re riding with.

• Some of our clients like to take the candidate out for drinks or to dinner with some friends, unknown to you. Most important is to see how you relate to other people and the service personnel. How you treat others, whether it is with respect or in a demeaning manner, will become apparent in this environment. If you are rude to waiters, there’s a good chance you will act the same way towards lower level employees in the organization.

• The squash/tennis court or the golf course is a great place to find insight into a person’s character. Pay attention to how you’re reacting to competition. Don’t lose your temper, curse, or toss your gear John McEnroe style. Such issues of character won’t surface during a typical interview and could very well hurt the company somewhere down the road.

Anyone can do a background check, finding out if you have ever been arrested (and for what), your driving record, previous employers, and references. Not to say that information is not important, but if all checks out well enough, the employer is still left wondering who this person really is. Will you cheat to get the upper hand? Will you lose it when put under stress? Are you going to turn into a liability? Do your values match those of the company?

These are all key issues when hiring a senior-level executive. And, it’s our responsibility as search professionals to find out as much as possible before a candidate takes control of an organization.

Monday April 6 – Chakri Day – our office will be closed.

Monday 13 April to Wednesday 15 April - Songkran Festival – Our office will be closed from Saturday 11 April 2009 till 20 April 2009.

The most obvious celebration of Songkran is the throwing of water. People roam the streets with containers of water or water guns, or post themselves at the side of roads with a garden hose and drench each other and passers-by. This, however, was not always the main activity of this festival. Songkran was traditionally a time to visit and pay respects to elders, including family members, friends and neighbours – sound like a long time ago!!

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