Acculturation and adaptation of employees from Anglo-culture countries in Thailand

Abstract

Research on acculturation has primarily focused on international migration to Western countries. This study fills in this research gap by examining acculturation and psychological and sociocultural adaptation among employees from Anglo-culture countries (i.e., the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and England) in Thailand. Data were collected from 109 employees currently working in Thailand using an online survey. The findings showed that integration whereby individuals both maintain their heritage culture and adapt to the Thai culture was the acculturation strategy adopted by the majority of foreign employees. Additionally,
hierarchical regression analyses found that psychological domain of adaptation was predicted by a longer length of residence in Thailand, lower heritage culture maintenance, higher mainstream culture adoption, lower frequency of communication in Thailand, and higher interaction with Thais at work. Sociocultural domain of adaptation was predicted only by a longer length of residence and higher mainstream culture adoption. Findings are discussed in relation to acculturation research conducted in other national contexts. The present research provides recommendations for future studies to broaden the literature on acculturation in the Thai context.