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M.Comm. / The concept of an organisation culture has emerged in the last decade due to theorist recognizing that organisations are more than mechanistic, rational goal driven systems with formal structures. Beyond formal structures are the hidden social frameworks people take for granted (Schultz, 1995: 5). Within these frameworks lies the unconscious life of an organisation, where beliefs, values and meanings are created, develop and influence the more visible life of the organisation.

This thesis explores the Thai business model, its history and culture, and the challenges of working with expatriates from the perspectives of Thai employees. Given Thailand's rich and complex history, difference in working styles between Thais and expatriates is not unexpected. This research aims to provide a detailed analysis of this relatively neglected field. Generally, there is a dearth of literature in the English language that reflects the perspectives of Thais regarding their working relationship with expatriates. In-depth information on Thai traditional values and culture in the English language is not readily available due in part to many Thai words not having English equivalents. This has led to a lack of in-depth knowledge about Thai employees, their working attitudes and the elements that make Thais what they are today. Thailand is not known as exemplary in terms of business ethics, professionalism or efficiency. Does this mean that management methods from developed nations are superior and could be applied wholly in Thailand? Would it be possible for Western expatriates to apply their management techniques across the board within the Thai business context, where culture and traditional values are deeply embedded?In seeking insights to these questions and possible solutions, and to obtain in-depth and rich information, this study adopts the survey method and uses interviews conducted with twenty Thai employees who work regularly with expatriates. The findings reveal that Thai working culture is multi-faceted and extremely complex, and that there are significant differences between Thai and expatriate cultures and attitudes that remain poorly understood. Furthermore, despite the conventional belief that Western management methods are superior and should be applied to the Thai business model, the evidence suggests that some Thai traditional values might actually be beneficial for both parties, as well as the organisation they are working for. This study has found that whilst it might be true that some Western influences can be positive, such as the reduction of high-level corruption and a focus on time management, certain traditional values might be worthwhile for expatriates to assimilate, such as kreng jai (similar to being considerate) and hen jai (similar to being understanding). This thesis concludes by suggesting that a compromise or middle ground approach is the way forward for both Thais and expatriates, where the merits of their respective work cultures could complement the other to achieve the overall well-being of the organisation and the people working in it.

acase@tulane.edu / 1 / Heather Larrazolo

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007.

<p>The Swedish coffee culture is changing and bringing new business opportunities for multinational coffee shops. Our purpose with this dissertation was to describe the Swedish coffee culture and its changes. We wanted to increase our knowledge about how these changes can make Sweden a more attractive country for coffee shops, like Starbucks, wanting to establish in Sweden.</p><p>We choose to use a qualitative method with an abductive approach. To gather the primary data we interviewed one barista and sent questionnaires to staff at different big coffee shops in Sweden. The interview questions were made out of five categories of describing culture by Rugman and Hodgetts. These answers and a multiple of articles helped us to describe the coffee culture and the changes. In the conclusion several benefits for coffee shops were identified from the cultural changes. Among the benefits we could see more knowledgeable and demanding customers. We could also distinguish a market with competing coffee shops and supporting industries well adapted to provide material needed to make the coffee. The benefits that the changes in the coffee culture bring are multiple and we see a coffee culture highly adapted to the new trend. </p><p>This dissertation can be useful for foreign coffee shops to gain knowledge about the Swedish coffee market and its culture. </p><p>New markets are opening through cultural changes, so marketers and others searching for new marketing opportunities on the Swedish coffee market should read this paper to get ideas, advices and inspiration.</p>

Thesis (M.S.)--Oregon State University, 1971. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

The Swedish coffee culture is changing and bringing new business opportunities for multinational coffee shops. Our purpose with this dissertation was to describe the Swedish coffee culture and its changes. We wanted to increase our knowledge about how these changes can make Sweden a more attractive country for coffee shops, like Starbucks, wanting to establish in Sweden. We choose to use a qualitative method with an abductive approach. To gather the primary data we interviewed one barista and sent questionnaires to staff at different big coffee shops in Sweden. The interview questions were made out of five categories of describing culture by Rugman and Hodgetts. These answers and a multiple of articles helped us to describe the coffee culture and the changes. In the conclusion several benefits for coffee shops were identified from the cultural changes. Among the benefits we could see more knowledgeable and demanding customers. We could also distinguish a market with competing coffee shops and supporting industries well adapted to provide material needed to make the coffee. The benefits that the changes in the coffee culture bring are multiple and we see a coffee culture highly adapted to the new trend. This dissertation can be useful for foreign coffee shops to gain knowledge about the Swedish coffee market and its culture. New markets are opening through cultural changes, so marketers and others searching for new marketing opportunities on the Swedish coffee market should read this paper to get ideas, advices and inspiration.

No description available.

Title: IKEA's brand culture in today's Chinese market: Focus on Shanghai Level: Final assignment for Master of Business Administration Author: Hongming Yang, Chen Hu  Supervisor: Maria Fregidou-Malama Date: 2012-June Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the collected information to study the IKEA's brand culture and consumer psychology and behavior in Shanghai market nowadays. By using Hofstede´s cultural dimensions to assess the IKEA's brand culture in Shanghai we give suggestions to IKEA about how to adapt to the regional market.  Method: Use of primary data which were collected through interviews, with a  questionnaire provided to managers. Secondary data in form of articles, books and published literature has been collected through databases such as DIVA, Emerald and the library at Gävle University. We use qualitative analysis to study the issue. Result &amp; Conclusions: IKEA's brand culture to provide good quality products to improve people's life in Shanghai in cheap price is not so clearly understood. IKEA has to adjust its marketing strategy, such as improving the quality of its products, or reducing the price, to remove the Shanghai consumers' confusion and misunderstanding of IKEA, in order to suit the Shanghai regional culture. Contribution of the thesis: We suggest that multinational enterprises should pay attention on the regional culture of the market they want to enter in. It is  important that the enterprises know the Shanghai consumers' culture requirements, which can lead enterprises to promote their brand culture.