The transferability of Japanese HRM practices to Thailand

Abstract

This research examined the transferability of Japanese human resource management to Thailand. Attitudes toward life-time employment, seniority system, consensual decision-making, quality circles, and house unions were considered. The sample included 560 managers and staff of Japanese companies in Thailand. The results indicate that all five practices except seniority are transferable. The Thai employees have more positive attitudes toward consensual decision-making, quality circles and house unions than the Japanese managers in the Japanese manufacturers in Thailand. Some Japanese managers think that consensual decision-making and quality circles are not appropriate or accepted in Thailand. This belief may limit the implementation of these practices. Regarding seniority, both the Japanese mangers and the Thai employees agreed that performance should be evaluated by achievement, but years of service should be part of any evaluation criteria.