A comparison of human resource development in telecommunications business of Thailand and Laos

Abstract

This is a qualitative study aimed at exploring and comparing the actual human resource development (HRD) practices and management systems in the telecoms businesses of Thailand and Laos. The study found that the competition among the telecoms operators in either Thailand or Laos has been intensifying. The telecoms operators in both countries have realized that the capabilities of qualified people are solid drivers in ensuring the sustainability of businesses. With empirical evidences gained from 15 in-depth interviews in Thailand, it was found that HRD and human resource management (HRM), in conjunction with employee engagement, teamwork, flexibility and effective communications, helped reinforce the effectiveness of employee development (ED). From a further eight interviews conducted in Laos, it was found that the personnel department takes the lead instead of HRM/HRD departments and mostly function as administrative institutions; meanwhile, Training and Development (T&D) is critical instruments used to enhance employees’ abilities. These differences indicated that the telecoms businesses in Thailand were more active in seeking ways for better improvement of their employees’ capabilities, whereas the telecoms companies in Laos rarely seek ways to initiate change in developing their employees’ capacities. The findings lead to recommendations for effective HRD management: it is important to gain awareness and commitment from the management team at the top level, the companies should have a precise plan for HRD, while both countries should include HRM, HRD and effective T&D into either formal or information education curricula.