VI. CONCLUSION
This study found that cross cultural gaps between Thais and Japanese can lead to conflict in developing and maintaining RM. Some Japanese expatriates, although aware of these differences prior to their assignments, either through cross cultural training and/or from former expatriates, once they are in the real working environment, find arguments as a result of cultural differences still occur. Among the five dimensions of Hofstede’s cultural theory; Masculine vs Feminine, is the dimension in which Thais and Japanese have the widest gap and can have most impacts on RM.
Masculine contrasted with Feminine cultural dimension, leads to differing terminology and perceptions on quality and ways of solving problems which can ruin positive RM. This is because the most important criteria for selecting and evaluating Thai suppliers are the quality of parts. Additionally, achieving global quality standards determines opportunities for Thais to become global suppliers, as a way of creating competitiveness for Thai suppliers.
The inability to minimize gaps on different quality terminology can lead to unpleasant RM, lowered trust levels and in the worst case scenario can result in ending relationships.
In addition, this study found that different cultural values on achievement, can lead to different perceptions between Thais and Japanese, creating conflict in the working environment. Thais think they are good at solving short-term problems while the Japanese think that this is not the way to work as short-term problems means a lack of preparation and inappropriate working. This approach is not necessarily wrong but can create differences and conflict. However, being tolerant of other approaches to problem solving is the best approach to try to achieve “our team-Thai and Japanese” to maintain RM.
An important lesson for managers is that when working across cultures, although awareness of the differences are important, it is not necessarily enough; Acceptance of the differences significantly helps in enhancing RM. When