ABSTRACT
Models of leadership often omit attention to gender and cultural variables in the exercise of effective leadership—assuming that models of leadership apply to all groups. This gap calls for models of diverse leadership to reflect the growing diversity among communities throughout the world of women and minorities. The question is how the leadership of women might differ from that of men, and what the common themes are about how they can lead effectively. This is a qualitative study of Asian women leaders from two urban cities (Hong Kong and New York City) who are Hong Kong Chinese or, in the US, Chinese American, Japanese American, and Korean American. Their careers were in the corporate, government, community, arts, social services, and higher education sectors. The study examines leadership styles and the social and organizational contexts, lived experiences, and social identities as Asian women that might influence their leadership.
