Thai social structure is hierarchical and collectivism structured society where individualism and interpersonal relationships are very important (Komin 1990). A research by Hofstede and
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Hofstede (2005) indicates that Thailand is the most feminine Asian country in which people learn how to avoid aggression rather than how to defend themselves against it. Generally, Thais do not like confrontation (Niratpattanasai 2000). If they disagree with what others say, they just keep quiet. They do not make a quick decision and prefer to talk with co-workers outside the meeting room. The result is that the degree of commitment is usually low. Many expatriates find that Thais frequently seem to agree in a meeting room, but there is no subsequent movement. When expatriates communicate with them, Thais usually nod in agreement. This however, does not mean that they are listening, or that they agree or understand. They merely nod because they are polite and want to accommodate others’ feelings. When these situations occur (i.e. when Thais seem to agree, but actually do not), their hidden feelings of disagreement can result in deep-seated discontent. In this context, the Thai management style can be described as follows: