本研究探討在臺工作的泰國自發性外派人員之跨文化適應情形，著重於其在適應新文化過程中所面臨的挑戰與採取的因應策略。透過對十二位泰籍受訪者進行半結構式訪談並運用主題分析法，研究結果顯示，跨文化適應受到個人與非工作層面的多重因素影響，例如行為學習、語言發展、接受與因應策略、強大的非正式支持網絡以及自我保護機制。除個人特質與社會支持外，研究亦發現臺灣的公共設施與安全環境同樣有助於泰國員工的適應。受訪者指出其在工作內外均面臨跨文化挑戰，包括語言障礙、孤立感、歧視與刻板印象等，皆會影響其適應進程。研究同時提出對臺灣組織與政府的建議，指出其應提供更友善外國人的政策與支持系統。綜上所述，預期性適應、跨文化挑戰與在地適應皆對受訪者的適應歷程產生影響。

This study examines the cross-cultural adjustment of Thai self-initiated expatriates working in Taiwan, focusing on the challenges they face and the strategies they adopt to adjust to a new culture. Applying thematic analysis from semi-structured interviews with twelve Thai employees, the research’s results indicate that cross-cultural adjustment is driven by individual and non-work factors such as behavioral learning, language development, acceptance and coping strategies, strong informal support networks, and self-protection. Apart from individuals and social support, the findings reveal that Taiwan’s facilities and safety facilitate adjustment among Thai employees as well. Participants revealed their cross-cultural challenges both in and outside work, such as language barriers, isolation, discrimination, and stereotypes, which affect their adjustment process. The study also offers recommendations for Taiwanese organizations and governments, suggesting that they should provide more foreigner-friendly policy and support systems for foreigners. In short, the findings indicate that anticipatory adjustment, cross-cultural challenges, and in-country adjustment all influence participants’ adjustment process.

Table of Contents
Thesis Validation Letter.............................................. i
Acknowledgements................................................... ii
摘 要........................................................................... iii
Abstract...................................................................... iv
List of figures............................................................. viii
List of Tables............................................................... ix
Chapter 1....................................................................... 1
1.1 Background of study........................................... 1
1.2 Statement of Problems........................................ 2
1.3 Study Purpose and Research Question................ 3
1.4 Definition of Terms.............................................. 3
1.5 Organization of the Thesis.................................. 4
Chapter 2................................................................... 5
2.1 The significance of cross-cultural studies.......... 5
2.2 Previous study about Thai Cross-cultural studies.. 6
2.3 Previous studies about cross-cultural studies between Thailand and Taiwan .............................................................................7
2.4 Cultural differences............................................. 9
2.5 Cross-Cultural Adjustment Theories.................. 11
2.5.1 Black, Mendenhall, & Oddou (1991) International Adjustment 11
2.5.1.1 The Self-Initiated Expatriate (SIE) Cross-Cultural Adjustment Framework Adaptation............................................. 14
2.5.2 Acculturation theory......................................... 16
2.5.3 U-Curve and Social Learning Theory ....................19
2.5.4 Summary of Theoretical Frameworks.............. 22
2.6 Common challenges in cross-cultural adjustment..23
2.7 Thai and Taiwanese working culture.................. 24
2.7.1 Initiative vs. Easy-going.................................... 24
2.7.2 Crisis Awareness vs. Take It Easy...................... 25
2.7.3 Face-saving and Show Respect........................ 25
2.7.4 Human management and kind........................ 26
2.7.5 Shared values: Hierarchy and Relationship..... 26
2.8 Thai and Taiwanese cross-cultural communication in organizations 27
Chapter 3.................................................................... 30
3.1 Research Design.................................................. 30
3.2 Research Framework........................................... 31
3.4 Research Participants.......................................... 37
3.5 Research Instrument........................................... 39
3.5.1 Contents............................................................ 40
3.5.2 Validity............................................................... 40
3.6 Data Collection and Analysis............................... 41
Chapter 4................................................................... 44
4.1 Background of the Participants.......................... 45
4.1.1 Education and Academic Field (TE03, TE04, TE06) 46
4.1.2 Communication (TE05, TE08) .................................47
4.1.3 Marketing, Sales and Administration (TE01, TE02, TE07, TE10, TE11, TE12).......................................................................... 47
4.1.4 Information Systems (TE09)............................. 48
4.2 Motivations and Pre-arrival Expectations.......... 50
4.2.1 Pre-arrival Information and Expectations .............51
4.2.2 Economic and Career Drivers ...............................53
4.2.3 Political, Educational and Personal Factors...... 55
4.2.4 Support Networks and Preparation................ 58
4.3 General Challenges and Prejudices .........................62
4.3.1 The Shock of Daily Living Inconveniences and Cultural Differences 62
4.3.2 Language Barrier in Daily Life.......................... 65
4.3.3 Prejudice, Stereotyping and Bias..................... 67
4.3.4 Social Isolation and Loneliness....................... 70
4.4 Professional Challenges at Work........................ 73
4.4.1 Language barriers and Monolingual Professional Environment 73
4.4.2 Inflexibility and Centralized Hierarchy............ 76
4.4.3 Wage and Rights discrimination, Exploitation and Dissatisfaction with Regulation and Work Systems.................................. 79
4.4.4 Absence of Social interactions and Differences of Communication Styles.......................................................................... 82
4.5 Overcoming Challenges and Coping Strategies ......87
4.5.1 Behavioral Learning and Action....................... 87
4.5.2 Acceptance and Coping.................................... 90
4.5.3 Confrontation and Self-Protection................... 92
4.5.4 Language Development................................... 94
4.5.5 Rewards of Mandarin Efficiency....................... 96
4.5.6. Reliance on Social Supports........................... 98
4.6 External Supporters and Factors for Stable Adjustment 101
4.6.1 Suitability of the Living Environment and Systemic Support 102
4.6.2 Satisfactions on Work-related Factors............. 104
4.7 Recommendations and Suggestions for Thais Employees and Taiwanese Organizations.............................................................. 107
4.7.1 Advice for future Thai Employees ..........................107
4.7.2 Feedback for Organizations and Taiwan Systems 108
Chapter 5................................................................... 113
5.1 Conclusions......................................................... 113
5.2 Implications......................................................... 115
5.2.1 Theoretical implications .......................................116
5.2.2 Practical implications....................................... 116
5.3 Limitations of the Study and Recommendations for Future Research ..........................................................................................119
References .......................................................................121
Appendices................................................................ 129
Appendix A: Poster of Participants Recruitment...... 129
Appendix B: Letter of Consent.................................. 129
Appendix C: Interview Questions............................... 131
Appendix D: Coding Data Procedure........................ 132

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