An analysis of intercultural challenges and desired competencies of the U.S. and Thai employees of a large international organization in Thailand

บทคัดย่อ

As Thailand is advancing its roles on the international stage, the study recognizes
the significance of intercultural training and development in Thailand and
responds to the inconclusive scholarly discussion about effective intercultural
training. This article presents an analysis of intercultural challenges and
desired competencies of the U.S. and Thai employees of a large international
organization in Thailand. It is a part of a broader study encompassing the whole
ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation)
instructional design model. Only the Analysis phase will be presented in this
article. The study uses a case study research method and data are collected
through focus groups, semi-structured interviews, observation, and literature
reviews. The analysis found shared patterns of competencies and challenges
between the two different cultural groups. The shared competencies present the
affective, knowledge, skills, and behavioral elements, while the shared challenges
encompass language competency, direct versus indirect communication, and
cultural and organizational norms. The findings demonstrate that intercultural
competence in the workplace is contextual as it goes beyond national cultures
and communication alone.