A study of bridging leadership in Thailand produced in cooperation with the Asian Institute of Management. It examines bridging leadership among civil society, academia, NGOs, and national government.
This case documents the efforts of Professor Saneh Chimarik to bring together public and non-profit organizations to focus on critical development needs of the largely voiceless rural poor. Beginning around 1991, Professor Saneh began a catalytic journey toward reform of government systems and policies in an effort to recognize and include the needs and interests of Thailand's rural communities. Through the creation of continuous dialogue, backed by solid research, he was able to bridge the interests of multiple stakeholders, including both government agencies and local community organizations to achieve full recognition of the rights of the rural poor.
Bridging leadership is a style of leadership that focuses on creating and sustaining effective working relationships among key partners and stakeholders. By "bridging" different perspectives and opinions often found across the breadth of different stakeholders, a common agenda can begin to be developed and shared in order to solve social and economic problems.