DIFFERENT MOTIVATION FACTORS OF THAI AND CHINESE EMPLOYEES FROM DIFFERENT CULTURE PERSPECTIVES (A CASE STUDY OF A HOME APPLIANCES MANUFACTURER IN THAILAND)

Abstract

In this study, the different motivation factors of Thai and Chinese employees are examined from different cultural perspectives by investigating in M company, a home appliance manufacturer which is a multinational company that has Chinese employees as top management. The challenges in workplace of both cultures and the effective ways of Thai and Chinese working together are identified. Qualitative research is adopted to find out the differences by conducting in-depth semi-structured interviews with 3 Chinese employees and 7 Thai employees who work closely with Chinese employees in the company. According to findings, it can be concluded that Thai employees are motivated by mental support, while Chinese employees are motivated by attractive rate of pay and career advancement. Thus, effective ways to motivate Thai employees are establishing relationship and provide mental support, and to motivate Chinese, the high salary is needed. Additionally, recommendations are provided for to Chinese and Thai employees and the company to develop understanding in culture differences for both Thai and Chinese employees to help them work together more effectively.