Thai overseas graduates and their adaptations to the Thai workplace

Abstract

This thematic paper investigates Thai overseas graduates and their adaptations to the Thai workplace. The culture shock and reverse culture shock experiences, coping strategies and the impact of the degree of cultural differences of “host” and “home” country on reverse culture shock experiences were explored. Review of current literatures regarding culture shock, reverse culture shock experiences and adaptations amongst overseas graduates were analyzed. Qualitative research was conducted via semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, who are overseas graduates from various countries (United States, United Kingdom, China, Japan, and the Philippines) currently working in Thai workplaces for a minimum of one year. It is concluded that the main challenges faced by overseas graduates are adjusting and adapting to the Thai working attitudes and hierarchy and beauraucracy of organizations. The corporate culture had the most influence on the degree of reverse culture shock experiences and the proactive coping mothods were the preferred coping methods of all participants. Recommendations to Thai overseas graduates returning home and companies recruiting overseas graduates were given to enable smooth transition into the Thai workplaces.