Title: Hospitality workforce in Thailand and ASEAN

Authors: Samart Plangpramool; Kumutinee Worasuwan; Joseph Lema; Jerome F. Agrusa

Addresses: International Tourism and Hotel Management Program, Burapha University International College, 169 Longhard-Bangsaen Rd., T. Saensook, A. Muang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand ' Academic Affairs, Burapha University International College, 169 Longhard-Bangsaen Rd., T. Saensook, A. Muang, Chonburi 20131, Thailand ' School of Business, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA ' Department of Management and Marketing Hawaii Pacific University, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine hotel management perspectives on the Association of Southeast Asia Nations (ASEAN) and the formation of the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). With the loosening of restrictions among travel and trade throughout ASEAN member countries, greater mobility of the workforce and travel can be expected in the region posing new opportunities and challenges for the hospitality and tourism industries. A convenience sample of hotel management employees consisted of 166 supervisory level employees across a range of functional positions was obtained to gain an understanding of hotel management perspectives in Thailand. The need for effective communication, diversity, and cross-cultural understanding emerged as highlights to progressive management practices within the region. The majority of supervisory level employees reported a desire and need for continuous training and development along with strategic leadership practices to maintain a competitive workforce and hospitality organisation.

Keywords: Association of Southeast Asia Nations; ASEAN countries; hospitality workforce; Thailand; hotel management; workforce mobility; tourism industry; effective communication; diversity; cross-cultural understanding; employee training; employee development; strategic leadership.

DOI: 10.1504/IJQRS.2015.076930

International Journal of Qualitative Research in Services, 2015 Vol.2 No.2, pp.147 - 154

Received: 16 Jan 2016
Accepted: 17 Feb 2016
Published online: 07 Jun 2016 *

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