The Thai intrapreneur – A mixed methods study exploring intrapreneurship in Thailand

Abstract

PurposeThis study explores the concept and antecedents of Intrapreneurship among Thai employees in Bangkok, Thailand. Study design/methodology/approachThe study uses an exploratory sequential mixed methodology. The data were collected from twenty-two in-depth interviews with Thai entrepreneurs and employees, followed by a survey of 648 salaried employees from Bangkok. FindingsThe findings from the interviews suggested that a sense of self-belief and ownership, collaboration in a team, the immediate supervisor, certain characteristics of the job and organization, and a culture of innovation in the organization affected intrapreneurship. The quantitative survey findings confirmed that self-efficacy, entrepreneurial orientation, team cohesion, and organizational support were significantly related to intrapreneurship in Thai companies. Additionally, a split data analysis revealed that the factors affecting intrapreneurship were distinct for the male and female cohorts, whereby self-efficacy was significant in the male data, whereas entrepreneurial orientation and team cohesion were significantly related to intrapreneurship in the female data. Practical implicationsThe study proposes the creation of small teams, introduction of role models and internships, and creation of a platform for exchange of ideas as recommendations to encourage intrapreneurship. The study also notes that these initiatives might affect male and female intrapreneurs distinctly. Originality/valueThis is the first notable mixed methods study on intrapreneurship in Thailand. The findings of this study will, therefore, help managers to encourage employees towards intrapreneurial behavior and pave the way for future research on intrapreneurship in Thailand.