The Perception of Foreign Staff towards“Khwam Krengjai” in Thai Higher Education Institutions
Keywords:
Foreigner Perception, Krengjai, Higher Education InstitutionsAbstract
This qualitative study was part of global collaborative work with the Centre for Leadership and
Effectiveness in Organizations (CLEO) at the NEOMA Business School, France. The objective of this research
was to uncover the perception of foreign staff towards the concept of “khwam krengjai” through both
focus groups and in-depth interviews (semi-structured interview). The 7 key informants had taught at higher
education institutions in Thailand. Two interviewees were American, while the other 5 informants were
originally from England, China, Taiwan and Malaysia. All participants agreed that the concept of “khwam
krengjai” was very complex. However, “khwam krengjai” can be observed through three behaviors that
reflected showing respect, avoiding conflict and working styles. Higher Education Institutions should be
open and flexible to accept diverse perspectives, behaviors and working styles of their staff, so it benefits
the organization in both the short and the long run.
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บทความที่ลงตีพิมพ์ในวารสารวิชาการบริหารธุรกิจ สมาคมสถาบันอุดมศึกษาเอกชนแห่งประเทศไทยต้องเป็นบทความที่ไม่เคยได้รับการตีพิมพ์เผยแพร่ หรืออยู่ระหว่างการพิจารณาตีพิมพ์ในวารสารอื่นๆ การละเมิดลิขสิทธิ์เป็นความรับผิดชอบของผู้ส่งบทความโดยตรง
