In order to survive and compete in the new knowledge based economy, it is necessary for small and medium enterprise (SME) entrepreneurs in Thailand to enhance their human capital and entrepreneurial competencies, which are factors that can be improved through education and training. Career success implies an improvement in SME entrepreneurs' quantity and quality of life, which is the major theme of the Ninth (2002-2006) and Tenth (2007-2011) National Economic and Social Development Plan. Most of the previous studies concerning human capital, entrepreneurial competencies and career success of SME entrepreneurs, and the relationships among these factors, have been conducted in developed countries. Therefore it is important to conduct further research on these issues in the context of Thailand, which is identified as a developing economy. / This study aims to provide a better understanding of the effects of human capital and entrepreneurial competencies on the career success of Thai SME entrepreneurs. A total of 13 hypotheses have been developed based on an individual perspective by applying the human capital approach in examining the relationship between human capital factors and career success, and the competency approach in examining the relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and career success. The hypotheses, testing results from 388 questionnaires completed by SME entrepreneurs in Thailand, support a theoretical model of the career success of SME entrepreneurs. As all of the human capital and entrepreneurial competencies have positive relationships with objective and subjective career success, this study provides both theoretical and empirical evidence for the crucial role of these factors in determining the career success of SME entrepreneurs, particularly in the context of Thailand. It also corresponds to earlier research efforts to re-emphasize the individual perspective in entrepreneurship and career research. / As the instrument used to measure entrepreneurial competencies has been tested with SME entrepreneurs in Thailand, it could be used as a self-assessment tool for SME entrepreneurs to identify their own personal level in each area of entrepreneurial competencies, and identify areas requiring further development. Finally, as the Thai governmental and non-governmental organisations can play a pivotal role in encouraging entrepreneurial activities and the SME entrepreneurs, they can use the results of this study as guidelines for developing better training programs. / Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2007.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267113 |
| Creators | Nakhata, Chinintorn. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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