Competitiveness, globalization and technology development in Thai firms

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the influence of competitiveness, strategic direction (SD), and competencies on the level of globalization and technology development in Thai firms from the executive perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot survey of 64 respondents in executive MBA programs was employed to identify the strategic factors that influence globalization and technology development.

Findings

The analysis specified important factors linked to SD, strategic management competencies, and global actions related to globalization performance and technology development. To achieve a better global performance and business development, Thai companies should adopt global standards, select potential international partners, use cross‐national projects, and focus more on the level of globalization of their operations. Top managers in strategy or business operations in high‐performing firms perceive a significantly higher globalization performance and technology development.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was limited to the perceptions of executive participants in Thailand using a survey only in English.

Practical implications

Thai executives need more effective strategic approaches to compete in the global marketplace and to determine the appropriate strategies to achieve a global level of performance and increased technology competence.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the strategic competencies and global competencies of executives play a significant role in firms' level of global performance and technology development. These competencies support effective strategies to improve the competitiveness of Thai companies on a global level.

Citation

Chaiprasit, S. and Swierczek, F.W. (2011), "Competitiveness, globalization and technology development in Thai firms", Competitiveness Review, Vol. 21 No. 2, pp. 188-204. https://doi.org/10.1108/10595421111117461