This paper explores the dimensions that contribute to leadership excellence in Thailand and empirically tests the Selvarajah, Duignan, Nuttman, Lane and Suppiah (1995) model. Summated scales for the importance of Excellent Leadership, Personal Qualities, Managerial Behaviours (MB), Organisational Demands, and Environmental Influences were developed. A structural model was constructed to explain the relationship in excellence in leadership. 403 managers participated in this research. The findings suggest that there are strong cultural factors such as non-confrontation and respect moderating the perceptions of Thai managers with regard to an Excellent Leader. Thailand attracts international investor interest and the relevance of behavioural values for business is of great importance to human resources management. There is limited literature on Thai management and leadership styles and the available literature has not linked cultural values and norms to leadership constructs in Thailand. The findings in this paper are important for managers on foreign assignment in Thailand and for others who engage with Thailand.
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