Upgrade strategies in the Thai silk industry: balancing value promotion and cultural heritage
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to substantiate Porter's ideas through multiple case studies of firms in one of Thailand's potential niches – Thai silk.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examined upgrading strategies adopted by six companies involved in the production and distribution of silk and silk products in Thailand. Information was gathered from company documents and interview statements given by company executives and government policy makers. Standard approaches to organizing and analyzing qualitative case study data, including description, pattern identification, concept categorization and generalization were utilized.
Findings
The companies have implemented upgrading strategies in the following four main areas: first, balancing efficiency and old customs in production; second, innovating new products while preserving unique traditional features; third, developing modern marketing and distribution techniques with a cultural flare; and fourth, building linkages and clusters.
Practical implications
Stakeholders of traditional- or cultural-related industries may increase their chances of successfully renewing their businesses’ competitive advantage by carefully balancing the needs to both preserve and modernize key processes in their industries’ value chains.
Originality/value
The paper's findings and recommendations may to be useful to other traditional industries that share similar challenges both in Thailand and in other Southeast Asian countries.
Keywords
Citation
Patichol, P., Wongsurawat, W. and M. Johri, L. (2014), "Upgrade strategies in the Thai silk industry: balancing value promotion and cultural heritage", Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, Vol. 18 No. 1, pp. 20-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFMM-09-2011-0059
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited