Women Leaders for a Sustainable Future (2)

In this Meeting with the Experts, Professor Wong and Professor Kim discuss the expanding role of women in leadership, emphasizing empathy, collaboration, ethical AI, sustainable innovation, and global perspectives as key to creating a more harmonious, resilient, and future-ready society.

Continued from "Women Leaders for a Sustainable Future (1)"

NUCB Leadership Research: Pioneering the Future of Leadership and AI

Dr. Wong:   We can definitely make an impact by translating research into practical applications. As I said, my work focuses on the intersection of technology and human behavior and I take a mixed-methods approach in conducting my research. For example, I conduct interviews with companies like FedEx and IKEA to understand their practices. I also work with small and medium-sized enterprises, where I interview leaders to better grasp the challenges they face—especially since these businesses often deal with tougher environments than large corporations.
On the quantitative side, I do a lot of data analytics. Sometimes I use big data analysis, while other times I conduct surveys to gather public opinions on specific topics.

Dr. Kim:   Specifically what kind of projects are you working on currently?

Dr. Wong:   One project I’m currently working on with Professor Ray Hui at NUCB involves AI, specifically how people perceive AI as a teammate. We’re exploring whether the way AI is presented influences human behavior. For example, does an AI that looks more human-like lead to different interactions compared to a simple, machine-like AI? We’re testing AI designs—robotic vs. human-like avatars.
We’re examining how AI style, politeness, and appearance affect collaboration and performance. This research is funded by KAKENHI, and we’re also developing a platform with various AI versions to test user responses. It’s a fascinating study, and we’re excited to see the results.

Dr. Kim:   That sounds really interesting! Best of luck with your research!

Dr. Wong:   Thanks! We’re hopeful it will yield valuable insights.

Dr. Kim:   As for my research, I focus on inclusive leadership, especially in family businesses. One area I’m exploring is sustainable leadership succession—how different generations approach sustainable development within their companies. Younger leaders often don’t want to follow the same path as their predecessors, and this trend is not just seen in Japan, but in countries like Austria and France as well.
I’m collaborating with scholars in Austria to compare leadership styles across generations, particularly in family-run hotels in both Austria and Japan. We’re interviewing founders and third-generation leaders to understand their views on sustainability and business continuity.

Dr. Wong:   That’s really interesting —how different cultures and regions might influence leadership approaches.
I’m also working on another project about AI companionship. We’re studying how AI tools, like virtual companions, could impact social behavior. For example, AI companions could provide emotional support similar to human interactions, but if people rely too heavily on them, they might isolate themselves socially.
This research connects to our work on AI, but we’re also interested in how different generations interact with AI companions. In the West, people might see them as fun tools, but in Asia, the response could be more negative. The term hikikomori comes to mind.
The concept of AI companions could have significant social implications. If these companions offer too much emotional support, younger people may end up relying on them instead of real human connections. This could lead to social isolation. It’s still early, but an interesting area of exploration.

Dr. Kim:   This issue ties into the evolving nature of leadership, especially thought leadership. Nowadays, people aren’t just looking for charismatic leaders—they value harmony and connectedness, which can directly impact business performance. The focus is on community engagement, particularly with younger generations.

Dr. Wong:   It’s not just about inspiring people through charisma; it’s about making them feel valued, like a nurturing figure who brings out their best.

Dr. Kim:   Exactly—helping others believe in their potential and individuality. Managing and encouraging younger generations can be tough, especially when balancing competitiveness with self-identity. But everything is interconnected, and my research reflects this broader perspective on leadership.
I also focus on women’s leadership and pedagogy, which go hand in hand. A lot of my research involves active learning methods—fostering collaboration, creativity, and empathy. These qualities should be part of how we assess students. This is why I integrate the latest research into my teaching and pedagogy; it allows students to benefit from cutting-edge knowledge.

Dr. Wong:   That’s such a great approach. It’s so important to make sure that teaching stays relevant and impactful.

Dr. Kim:   Sharing my research dilemmas with students has been enriching. They offer honest feedback, helping me refine my ideas and gain new insights. This dialogue not only enhances their understanding but also encourages them to develop their own wisdom by engaging with real challenges.
I follow a philosophy of research-led teaching and I believe that without this we risk missing out on effective ways to inspire and teach future generations.