A research study submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration, School of Management

Research report (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2003

Increasing productivity is a key issue for a company. An analysis of employee motivation, for increasing perfonnance is one approach. Many theories from human needs to defined work issues have been made. The most interesting ones seems to consider the fact that some factors tend to dissatisfy employees whilst some others tend to motivate them. Other theories focus on natural reactions versus real behaviour, achievement process or relationship with other employees. In Thailand, these theories may or may not apply. It seems that culture in Asia has a definite impact on employee behaviour and thus motivation. Furthermore, depending on the type of company, human resources strategies differ. In that sense, western subsidiaries, like Nestle and Carrefour will tend to adapt themselves to the context but yet keep a global culture from the original country. Whereas in 2003, the main three factors found in the best employees companies in Thailand were visionary leadership, developing and retaining high-performing talent and effective communication, an analysis of employee motivation at Nestle and Carrefour was made. Overall, employees tend to focus on motivators rather then of that hygiene factors. Dissatisfaction went through the job itself, the working conditions and the relationship with managers whereas motivators were more than the enjoyment of job itself, with achievements and relationship with peers or managers. Managers who should take into account the imp01iance of social issues in Thailand should focus on these factors to enhance employee motivation.