Global Business Cultural Analysis: Thailand

1 Introduction
1.1 Summary of points
1.1.1

Include a table of content

1.2 Abstract

2 What are the major elements and dimensions of culture in Thailand? ((communication,
religion, ethics, values, manners, customs, social structure and organization, and education)

2.1 Brief description of the major local religions
2.1.1

Buddhist
2.1.1.1
2.1.1.2

2.1.2

Percentage of population
Secular to fanatic

Other religions
2.1.2.1

Percentage of population

2.1.2.2

Religious freedom?

2.2 Social Structures and Organizations
2.2.1

Village organizations and local institutions

2.2.2

Foreign Investors
2.2.2.1

World Bank

2
2.2.3

Current Government
2.2.3.1

Tambon Administration Organization (TAO)

2.2.3.2

Corruption (Transparency International 3.5 ranked 78 of

178)

2.3 Ethics
2.3.1 Ethical behavior in Thailand business
2.3.2 Interpersonal moral

2.4 Values and Attitudes
2.4.1

Honor and Shame

2.4.2

‘Sabai’ (pleasant or well) and ‘Sanuk’ (fun)

2.5 Manners
2.5.1

Welcome gesture is Wai
2.5.1.1

Food

2.5.1.2

Gifts

2.6 Customs
2.6.1

Using the prefix Khun instead of Mr. or Mrs.

2.6.2

Time
2.6.2.1

Punctuality

2.7 Communication
2.7.1

Verbal communication

2.7.2

Formal non-verbal communication
2.7.2.1

2.8 How is the education?

Interaction in business context

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RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE
2.8.1

Literacy

2.8.2

Highest levels of education

2.8.3

Who gets into the universities?

2.8.4

Costs

2.8.5

Skilled workers

3 How are these elements and dimensions integrated by locals conducting business in Thailand?
(communication, religion, ethics, values, manners, customs, social structure and organization,
and education)

3.1 How has the average level of education affected the ability to recruit educated
employees?
3.1.1

What jobs are even available?

3.2 What role does religion play in the economy?
3.2.1

Is there Christian persecution?
3.2.1.1

Similar to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act?

3.3 What is the actual ethical atmosphere?
3.4 How has the economy affected the values of the local businessmen?
3.5 What is the government doing to the economy?
3.5.1

Corruption
3.5.1.1

Bribery at government level and police?

3.6 How do small business, owned by locals, maintain in this economy?
3.6.1

Level of customer service

3.6.2

Tourism and quality

4
3.6.3

Family-run business

4 How do both of the above items compare with US culture and business?
4.1 Education
4.1.1

Understanding how privileged ones are

4.2 Entertaining guests
4.2.1

Individualistic

4.3 Power distance
4.3.1

Interaction with management

4.4 Justice not honor
4.4.1

5.

Common law

What are the implications for US businesses that wish to conduct business in Thailand?

6.

Does globalization help or harm Thailand?

7.

How does religion affect the ability to do business in Thailand?

8.

What are the emerging markets and where a foreign investor can make a substantial
profit?

a.

Textiles

a.i. Exports
b.

Consumer goods

b.i. Domestic distribution
c.

Technology

c.i. Networks

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RESEARCH PROJECT OUTLINE

c.ii. Computer hardware
d.

Telecommunications

d.i. Internet service providers
e.

Education

e.i. Private schools
e.ii. Private tutoring
4.4.1.1

English as a Second Language

9.

How has the Thailand government helped or hindered the current economic situation?

a.

Decrease unemployment

b.

Add money to the local economy

c.

Knowledge workforce

10. What countries are currently contributing to the Thailand economy and what do they get out of

it?
11. Conclusion