A THAILAND & CANADA
BUSINESS COLLABORATION....
Prepared for Intan Osman
Cross-Cultural Management
May, 27th, 2010
Justin Wiechnik
Rebecca Hartshorn
Andrew Turner
Scott Lauinger
TODAY’S AGENDA
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5.
Key Facts
Canada Cultural Dimensions
Thailand Cultural Dimensions
Role Play
Questions/Concerns/Discussion
THAILAND
• Located in S.E Asia
•Thai population of roughly 68 Million
•75% Thai, 14% Chinese, 11% other
Canada
•Roughly 33 Million
•British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other
European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian,
African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%
•Canada is far more culturally diverse than
Thailand however when you take into
consideration how small the land size is in
Thailand the culture is quite multi-cultural
compared to Canada
CANADA CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
• It is customary to shake hands when being introduced.
It is also not unusual to lightly touch someone on the
shoulder or elbow during a discussion. Most Canadians do
not often kiss or hug when greeting friends.
• Expect to shake hands with every person at the
beginning and the end of the meeting. It should be firm
and accompanied by direct eye contact and a sincere
smile.
• Wait until invited before using someone's first name
although Canadians tend to move to a first-name basis
rapidly
• Alcohol is a common gesture, eh
• Meetings generally well organized and rely on prompt
schedules
•Feel free to refuse food and/or drink without offending a
Canadian
CANADA CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
• Canada has a diverse variety of religions, therefore being
so multi cultural no one distinct religion is recognized as
the right religion or dominant religion
• Current business drivers are influenced by the intent to
achieve & improve personal & societal standards
• Canada's Power Distance is relatively low. This is
indicative of a greater equality between societal levels,
including government, organizations, and even within
families. This orientation reinforces a cooperative
interaction across power levels and creates a more stable
cultural environment
• Canada is a more individualistic society, with relatively
loose bonds with others. The populace is more self-reliant
and looks out for themselves and their close family
members. Privacy is considered a cultural norm and
attempts at personal interrogation may meet with rebuff.
THAILAND CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
• Thailand has a very low level of individualism, as it is
a very collective society. It is a place where they foster
relationships and building these long lasting relationships is
essential for business success.
• The high Power Distance in Thailand is indicative of
a high level of inequality of power and wealth within
the society. This condition is not necessarily forced upon
the population, but rather accepted by the society as a part
of their cultural heritage.
The Wai
• The wai is the common form of greeting and adheres to strict rules of protocol.
Raising both hands, palms joined with the fingers pointing upwards as if in prayer,
lightly touching the body somewhere between the chest and the forehead, is the
standard form.
• The person who is junior in age or status is the first one to offer the wai. The senior
person returns the wai, generally with their hands raised to somewhere around
their chest.
• If a junior person is standing and wants to wai a senior person who is seated, the
junior person will stoop or bow their head while making the wai.
•If there is a great social distance between two people, the wai will not be returned.
THAILAND CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
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Buddhists believe that selfishness and craving
result in suffering and that compassion and
love bring happiness and well-being.
The true path to peace is to eliminate all
desire, a condition which Buddhists define as
'nirvana', an indescribable state free of desire,
suffering, or further rebirth, in which a person
simply is, and is completely at one with his
surroundings.
Buddhism is practised in Thailand by over 90%
of the population, therefore recognizing and
appreciating the religion is expected while doing
business with Thai’s
THAILAND CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
Thai’s use first names in meetings rather than
surnames
 Be Careful when refusing food/drink, as
Thai’s have pride in their foods and drinks and
may take offense if you do not enjoy it
 Before doing business in Thailand, learn a few
important sayings such as, “hello”, and “thank
you”
 Feet stay low and head stays high
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Never raise your feet higher than your head, your
head is considered to be the most sacred part of the
body and closest to Buddha, while feet are thought of
as very insignificant meaning they should never be
raised
ROLE PLAY!!!!
VS
THAILAND CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
• Thais prefer doing business with people they respect.
•Relationships develop slowly and do not flourish after one
meeting; it may take several meetings.
•Always be respectful and courteous when dealing with others as
this leads to the harmonious relationships necessary within
business.
•Thai communication is formal and non-verbal
communication is often more important than verbal
communication.
•Watch your body language and facial expressions, as these
will be believed over your words.
• Business attire is conservative. Men should wear dark
coloured conservative business suits.
THAILAND CULTURAL DIMENSIONS
• Appointments are necessary and should be made one month in advance.
• It is good idea to send a list of who will be attending the meeting and
their credentials so that Thais know the relative status of the people
attending the meeting and can plan properly.
• You should arrive at meetings on time as it signifies respect for the person
you are meeting.
• Always send an agenda and material about your company as well as data
to substantiate your position prior to the meeting. Allow sufficient time for
the material to be reviewed and digested.
• Remain standing until told where to sit. The hierarchical culture has
strict rules about rank and position in the group.
• Written material should be available in both English and Thai.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Keep in mind that respect is the first bases
towards an effective relationship in business.
 Important to recognize ignorance reflects on all
involved within that culture.
 This effects not just those involved but all others
that plan to do business within that culture.
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REFERENCES
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/globaletiquette/canada.html
 http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/globaletiquette/thailand-country-profile.html
 http://www.vec.ca/english/2/culture.cfm
 http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/canada.htm
 http://www.geerthofstede.com/hofstede_thailand.shtml
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