INT 113 Module Two Discussion: Cultural Analysis
Hofstede's Dimensions of Culture: Thailand (Hofstede Insights, Country Comparison - Hofstede Insights, 2019)
Power Distance: Score of 64
Inequalities accepted Protocol Observed Loyal and respectful employees in return for protection and guidance Paternalistic Management Hierarchical Information flow Collectivist country Non-confrontational Personal relationship is key to business . Patience Necessary Feminine Society Nonassertive Noncompetitive Traditional male/female roles
Individualism: Score of 20
Masculinity: Score of 34
Uncertainty Avoidance: Score of 64
Preference to avoid uncertainty Strict rules, laws, policies Control everything to avoid unexpected Does not readily accept change Normative culture Concern with establishing absolute truth Respect for tradition
Long-term orientation: Score of 32
Indulgence: Score of 45
Middle of scale, nothing inferred
Communication: (Graphicmaps.com., Thailand's Languages - GraphicMaps.com, 2019) and (Sites.google.com., Verbal & Nonverbal Communication - Cross Cultural: Thailand and Japan, 2019)
Language: Thai (official) 90.7%, Burmese 1.3%, other 8%
Nonverbal: Nonverbal communication is often more important than verbal communication. Thailand is considered as "Land of Smiles" because Thai people like to smile; they tend to smile often and for different situations and emotions whether they are mad, glad, or, sad. Known for not being able to say no.
Business Etiquette: (Landed, J. and Landed, J. Business etiquette, 2019)
Thai people prefer to build personal relationships before discussing business. Thai people laugh very easily, and a foreigner can minimize his errors or embarrassmen through laughter. Body language is important in Thai communication and respect and politeness should always be shown. A business card should be offered with the right hand.
Business Observations: (Landed, J. and Landed, J. Business etiquette, 2019)
Tend to schedule no more than two business meetings in a day. November through March is the best time to do business. April and May are months that Thai typically take vacation time. Do not insult country and king. Do not pass anything with left hand or point with one finger.
References:
Hofstede Insights. (2019). Country Comparison - Hofstede Insights. [online] Available at: https://www.hofstede-insights.com/country-comparison/thailand/ [Accessed 17 May 2019]
Graphicmaps.com. (2019). Thailand's Languages - GraphicMaps.com. [online] Available at: https://www.graphicmaps.com/thailand/languages [Accessed 17 May 2019]
Sites.google.com. (2019). Verbal & Nonverbal Communication - Cross Cultural: Thailand and Japan. [online] Available at: https://sites.google.com/site/japanvsthailandtakayoshi/communication-style/verbal-nonverbal- communication [Accessed 17 May 2019].
Landed, J. and Landed, J. (2019). Business etiquette. [online] Just Landed. Available at: https://www.justlanded.com/english/Thailand/Thailand-Guide/Business/Business-etiquette [Accessed 17 May 2019]