Dr Joseph dela Cruz presents research on theatre and leadership at Asia Academy of Management conference in Bangkok

Dr Joseph G dela Cruz of the Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) Filipino Subject Area successfully presented a research paper at the Asia Academy of Management (AAOM) Special Conference held from 18-21 June 2025 at the Grand Fourwings Convention Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand. The paper, titled “Playing Leadership Roles: How Active Involvement in Theatre Develops Leadership,” was co-authored with Dr Mendiola Teng-Calleja of Ateneo de Manila University’s Department of Psychology.

The study examines how participation in theatre contributes to the development of leadership competencies. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the researchers analyzed data from semi-structured interviews with 12 managers and executives from diverse industries who had prior involvement in theatre. Findings show that theatre enhances leaders' self-awareness, confidence, creativity, empathy, and ability to collaborate, among other key leadership traits. Participants credited their theatre experiences—including work in productions, mentorship received, and the creative environment—as formative in shaping their current leadership styles.

The study advocates for integrating theatre-based activities into leadership development programs, emphasizing the importance of creativity, adaptability, effective communication, and mentorship in organizational settings. It also underscores the role of supportive mentorship communities in fostering leadership growth within the workplace.

Dr dela Cruz is currently the Subject Area Coordinator for Filipino at the ASHS. A seasoned lecturer, writer, and stage actor, he has performed in over 30 productions at Ateneo de Manila University, Dulaang UP, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. In 2024, he translated Dr Maria Mercedes T Rodrigo’s short story "Blueplate" into Filipino. The dual-language storybook received the Kids’ Choice Award at the 8th National Children's Book Awards.

Dr dela Cruz was a member of the Ateneo de Manila University delegation to the AAOM Special Conference. According to Dr Roberto Galang, Dean of the John Gokongwei School of Management, the delegation was comprised of faculty and graduate students who presented their latest research on strategy, leadership, family business, and crisis management. The conference, themed “Institutional Complexities and Managerial Responses,” was the inaugural AAOM Special Conference and is recognized as the region’s largest academic gathering on management. AAOM is the longest-running academic association focused on management in the Asian context.