the impact of managers' learning styles and leadership styles and the effectiveness of their

498 Pages·2010·3 MB·English

by  Zumitzavan Vissanu

THE IMPACT OF MANAGERS’ LEARNING STYLES AND
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND THE EFFECTIVENESS OF
THEIR ORGANISATIONS: A CASE STUDY FROM SMALL
RETAIL TYRE COMPANIES IN THAILAND

By

VISSANU ZUMITZAVAN

A thesis submitted to
The University of Birmingham
for the degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Industrial Labour Economics
Birmingham Business School
The University of Birmingham
June 2010
University of Birmingham Research Archive

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Abstract

Today’s business requires managers who can make an impact by competing
successfully in the context of globalisation. Organisational learning contributes
to a firm’s ability to compete. However, particularly in small and medium
enterprises, research into managers’ approaches to transferring and encouraging
learning in the organisation remains inadequate. This study examines the
relationship between managers’ learning and leadership styles and sustaining
learning in the organisation, and consequently increasing organisational
effectiveness. Small retail tyre firms in north east Thailand are taken as a case
study.

Mixed research methods were applied. Pilot studies were tested to ensure
reliability and validity. In a quantitative approach, questionnaires were used to
collect data, and different statistical methods were used to analyse the data.
Questionnaires were distributed to the managers of small tyre firms covering
demographics, learning styles, leadership styles and organisational effectiveness.
A qualitative approach of semi-structured interviews was used to gather further,
more detailed, data.

The results suggest that the Reflector and Pragmatist learning styles and the
Transformational and Transactional leadership styles are the most effective.
Results from the interviews suggest more specific ways of encouraging learning
in the organisation, in terms of organisational management, leadership roles and
learning and experience.
Dedication

I would like to dedicate this thesis to my parents, Mr. Sompoch Zumitzavan and
Mrs. Daungyiva Zumitzavan. They put aside their own desires to see me fulfil
my dreams to succeed in life. They have always trusted in me and supported me
in everything. I would not have started and completed my PhD without them.
They mean the world to me and I am eternally thankful to them.

Love you Pa+ and Mom
Acknowledgements

First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my
supervisor, Professor Jonathan Michie. Throughout my studies he has dedicated
so much effort, understanding and patience in guiding me towards becoming a
researcher. At every stage, overcoming many obstacles, he has always been there
to support me. I am very grateful for having such a devoted supervisor.

My deepest appreciation also goes to my co-supervisor, Dr Ian Clark, who has
constantly given so much support and encouragement, helping me to develop my
research skills and complete my thesis. I am honoured to be one of his students.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Dr Jason Heyes, Professor
Chris Mabey, and Dr. Maura Sheehan, the chair and examiners, who provided
attentive reviews and helpful recommendations during my Viva.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Associate
Professor Titinun Auamnoy, for sharing his invaluable insights regarding the
statistical techniques and for his kind advice and support.

Within the Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, I would
like to express my sincere thanks to Professors Stan Siebert, Mary O’Mahony,
Chris Mabey and Dr. Jo Duberley for their supportive recommendations.

I am deeply grateful to the Royal Thai Government and Mahasarakham
University for sponsoring me and allowing me to pursue my PhD at Industrial
Labour Economics, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham.
I would also like to extend my profound gratitude to my uncle, Assistant
Professor Tanes Srisatit, who encouraged me to study abroad from my high-
school years and supported me at every stage of my studies. Without his
encouragement and support, I might not have decided to study abroad and pursue
my higher education. I am greatly indebted to him for all manner of support.

I express sincere thanks to the former and current deans of the Faculty of
Accountancy and Management, Mahasarakham University, Thailand, Mr
Mongkhon Moungkieo and Associate Professor Phapruke Ussahawanitchakit, for
their support in completing my studies.

Special thanks also go to my professional proof reader, and to friends who have
contributed much help during the editing stages of this thesis: Gillian Martin,
Julia Junaidi and Karwai Tan.

I would also like to express my ingenuous gratefulness to Miss Pattra Supawiwat
for her endless support throughout my studies.

Additionally, I would like to extend my deepest appreciation to others who have
been involved in the production of this thesis. In particular, I would like to thank
participants, sales managers and the staff of tyre manufacturers and retailers in
Thailand, who provided useful information. Secondly, thanks to members of staff
at the Universities of Birmingham, Oxford and Mahasarakham, namely Vivien
Jones, Marleen Vanstockem, Donna Willmetts, Barbara Fitzpatrick, Cynthia
Pickering, Sandra Gee, Miss Kanokvan Chaonoi, Mr Niwat Pattaniboon and
other members of staff whose names have not been mentioned here; they have
always been supportive and provided useful information during my studies.

I also wish to acknowledge the endless contributions made by my family. I am
eternally grateful for their unending support at every stage of my life: my
parents; my brother and sisters: Mr Sompoch, Mrs Daungyiva, Mr Piya
Zumitzavan, Karuna Arromdee and Assistant Professor Somjintana
Tungkawachara, plus my beloved nieces, nephew and relatives: Jiratana
Tungkawachara, Mameena Arromdee, Jade Tungkawachara, Mrs Sunee
Tuntimekin, Mr Kampang Laungmongkollert, Mrs Kimheng Kaenchotikul, Mr
Pornsak Laungmongkollert, Mr Panumet Laungmongkollert, Mr Passakorn
Laungmongkollert, Mr Korn Laungmongkollert, Mr Pornchai Laungmongkollert
and Mr Anuwat Tuntikul and their families. Without their warm encouragement I
would not have been able to make it.

Last but not least, my sincerest appreciation goes to my friends and colleagues
both in Thailand and the United Kingdom. Without them, my studies would have
been less ‘colourful’ and meaningful; in particular to my first-year Birmingham
family, Miss Karwai Tan, Miss Nidjada Teachajareonvikul and Mr Ravivat
Lohpattananon, as well as my friends and flatmates at Jarratt Hall and fellow
Thai colleagues who have always provided positive encouragement and kindly
shared knowledge from their respective disciplines: Miss Pimpika Duangpastra,
N’ Bright, Julia Junaidi, Po-Wei, Peter, Hiroki, Pa’Au, P’Pasan, P’Toom,
N’James, Jitti, N’Koy, Miss Tipparat Vareevej, Dr Suvaroj Kemavuthanon
Dr Siwat Pongpiachan Dr Tunyawat Somjaitaweeporn, Mrs Teerapan Suppa-
Aim, Mr Trairong Swatdikun, Rania Mousa, and others that I have not
mentioned here.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................... 1
2. RATIONALE OF RESEARCH .................................................................... 1
3. BACKGROUND OF RESEARCH ............................................................... 9
4. RESEARCH QUESTIONS ....................................................................... 22
5. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES ...................................................................... 23
6. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................... 23
7. METHODOLOGY OF RESEARCH ........................................................... 27
8. STRUCTURE OF THESIS ....................................................................... 29
9. CONCLUSION ....................................................................................... 29
CHAPTER 2 OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE ............................ 30
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................... 30
2. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE ON ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING .......... 30
3. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE ON ORGANISATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS .. 65
5. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE ON LEARNING STYLE ............................. 85
6. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE ON LEADERSHIP STYLES ...................... 108
8. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 140
CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .......................... 143
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 143
2. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES .................................................................... 143
3. METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES ............................................................... 144
4. RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGNS ................................................ 148
5. QUANTITATIVE APPROACH ............................................................... 154
6. QUALITATIVE APPROACH ................................................................. 167
7. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 177
CHAPTER 4 DESCRIPTIVE STATISTICS ............................... 179
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 179
2. LEARNING STYLES ............................................................................ 179
3. LEADERSHIP STYLES ......................................................................... 181
4. ORGANISATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS .................................................. 183
5. DEMOGRAPHICS OF RESPONDENTS ................................................... 185
6. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 189
CHAPTER 5 QUANTITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS .................. 190
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 190
2. HYPOTHESIS ...................................................................................... 190
3. INDEPENDENT SAMPLE T-TEST AND ANALYSIS OF VARIANCE
(ANOVA) ............................................................................................. 191
4. MULTIPLE REGRESSION ANALYSIS ................................................... 192
5. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 229
CHAPTER 6 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS ..................... 230
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 230
2. THE SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEW ................................................ 230
3. PILOT STUDY .................................................................................... 231
4. SAMPLING ......................................................................................... 232
5. DATA COLLECTION ........................................................................... 233
6. INDUCTIVE-BASED ANALYTICAL STRATEGIES AND PROCEDURES .... 234
7. FINDINGS .......................................................................................... 237
8. DISCUSSION ...................................................................................... 273
9. THE INDEPENDENT SAMPLES T-TEST ................................................. 275
10. CONCLUSION ................................................................................... 288
CHAPTER 7 DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS ........ 290
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 290
2. DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS OF THE QUANTITATIVE
APPROACH ............................................................................................ 290
3. DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS OF QUALITATIVE APPROACH 310
4. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 324
CHAPTER 8 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .. 327
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 327
2. ORIGINALITY AND CONTRIBUTION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS ........... 327
3. IMPLICATIONS OF RESEARCH FINDINGS ........................................... 332
4. LIMITATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH ... 335
5. CONCLUSION ..................................................................................... 339
BIBLIOGRAPHY .......................................................................... 341
APPENDICES ................................................................................ 388
APPENDIX A: PILOT STUDY RELIABILITY ANALYSIS SCALE
(CRONBACH’S COEFFICIENT ALPHA) .................................................... 388
APPENDIX B: ACTUAL FIELD WORK RELIABILITY ANALYSIS SCALE
(CRONBACH’S COEFFICIENT ALPHA) .................................................... 392
APPENDIX C: PILOT STUDY QUESTIONNAIRE ........................................ 396
APPENDIX D: ACTUAL FIELD WORK QUESTIONNAIRE .......................... 400
APPENDIX E: PILOT STUDY SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWING
QUESTIONS ........................................................................................... 403
APPENDIX F: FOLLOW-UP SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEWING QUESTIONS
.............................................................................................................. 404
APPENDIX G: COEFFICIENT VALUE ...................................................... 406
APPENDIX H: A STATNDARD HECKMAN TEST FOR RESPONSE BIAS ..... 409
APPENDIX I: ADDITIONAL STATISTICAL FINDINGS .............................. 410
CORRELATION COEFFICIENT ................................................................ 452