IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i23p10639-d1536701.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Strategic Implementation of Social Support for Expatriate Management in Thailand’s Hospitality Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Kanokon Kiti

    (School of Management and Economic, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610056, China)

  • Guofeng Wang

    (School of Management and Economic, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610056, China)

  • Jason Kobina Arku

    (School of Management and Economic, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610056, China)

  • Shadrach Twumasi Ankrah

    (School of Management and Economic, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610056, China)

  • Danmaraya Mubarak Aliyu

    (School of Management and Economic, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610056, China)

Abstract

This study explores the strategic implementation of social support enablers to address expatriate turnover and the shortage of skilled labour in Thailand’s hospitality industry, particularly in the post-COVID-19 context. By integrating Social Support Theory, Cultural Intelligence Theory, and Social Capital Theory, this research identifies and prioritises key enablers essential for expatriate success. We employed a novel three-phase methodology, which included a literature review, a hybrid Best–Worst Method (BWM), Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), and semi-structured interviews with experts. The findings reveal a hierarchical framework of social support enablers, with health and psychological adjustment support, work–life balance initiatives, career development opportunities, and national support for the host country emerging as top priorities. Implementing these enablers effectively addresses expatriates’ adaptation challenges and significantly enhances their performance, well-being, and retention. This study contributes to the literature by providing the first empirically derived, prioritised approach to social support enablers implementation and practical guidance for developing holistic support systems in multicultural hospitality environments. Focusing on Thailand, the methodology and framework offer a robust foundation for future cross-cultural comparisons in expatriate management research.

Suggested Citation

  • Kanokon Kiti & Guofeng Wang & Jason Kobina Arku & Shadrach Twumasi Ankrah & Danmaraya Mubarak Aliyu, 2024. "Strategic Implementation of Social Support for Expatriate Management in Thailand’s Hospitality Sector," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-22, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10639-:d:1536701
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/23/10639/pdf
    Download Restriction: no

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/23/10639/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Kusi-Sarpong, Simonov & Orji, Ifeyinwa Juliet & Gupta, Himanshu & Kunc, Martin, 2021. "Risks associated with the implementation of big data analytics in sustainable supply chains," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).
    2. Murad Ali & Imran Ali & Gema Albort-Morant & Antonio Luis Leal-Rodríguez, 2021. "How do job insecurity and perceived well-being affect expatriate employees’ willingness to share or hide knowledge?," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 185-210, March.
    3. Maghrabie, Hesham F. & Beauregard, Yvan & Schiffauerova, Andrea, 2019. "Grey-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis approach: Addressing uncertainty at complex decision problems," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 366-379.
    4. Sataporn Julchoo & Nareerut Pudpong & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Pigunkaew Sinam & Anon Khunakorncharatphong & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2021. "Health Status and Barriers to Healthcare Access among “Son-in-Law Westerners”: A Qualitative Case Study in the Northeast of Thailand," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-18, October.
    5. Paula Caligiuri & Helen De Cieri & Dana Minbaeva & Alain Verbeke & Angelika Zimmermann, 2020. "International HRM insights for navigating the COVID-19 pandemic: Implications for future research and practice," Journal of International Business Studies, Palgrave Macmillan;Academy of International Business, vol. 51(5), pages 697-713, July.
    6. Sonvanee Uansri & Watinee Kunpeuk & Sataporn Julchoo & Pigunkaew Sinam & Mathudara Phaiyarom & Rapeepong Suphanchaimat, 2023. "Perceived Barriers of Accessing Healthcare among Migrant Workers in Thailand during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(10), pages 1-11, May.
    7. Xiaoyun Guang & Peerayuth Charoensukmongkol, 2022. "The effects of cultural intelligence on leadership performance among Chinese expatriates working in Thailand," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 21(1), pages 106-128, February.
    8. Kouhizadeh, Mahtab & Saberi, Sara & Sarkis, Joseph, 2021. "Blockchain technology and the sustainable supply chain: Theoretically exploring adoption barriers," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    9. Rezaei, Jafar, 2015. "Best-worst multi-criteria decision-making method," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 53(C), pages 49-57.
    10. Jafar Rezaei, 2022. "The Balancing Role of Best and Worst in Best-Worst Method," Lecture Notes in Operations Research, in: Jafar Rezaei & Matteo Brunelli & Majid Mohammadi (ed.), Advances in Best-Worst Method, pages 1-15, Springer.
    11. Geneviève Morin & David Talbot, 2023. "Cultural intelligence of expatriate workers: a systematic review," Management Review Quarterly, Springer, vol. 73(1), pages 413-454, February.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Moslem Alimohammadlou & Saeed Alinejad, 2025. "Challenges of blockchain implementation in SMEs’ supply chains: an integrated IT2F-BWM and IT2F-DEMATEL method," Electronic Commerce Research, Springer, vol. 25(2), pages 907-949, April.
    2. Corrente, Salvatore & Greco, Salvatore & Rezaei, Jafar, 2024. "Better decisions with less cognitive load: The Parsimonious BWM," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 126(C).
    3. Abderahman Rejeb & Karim Rejeb & John G. Keogh & Suhaiza Zailani, 2022. "Barriers to Blockchain Adoption in the Circular Economy: A Fuzzy Delphi and Best-Worst Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-23, March.
    4. Wu, Qun & Liu, Xinwang & Zhou, Ligang & Qin, Jindong & Rezaei, Jafar, 2024. "An analytical framework for the best–worst method," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 123(C).
    5. Himanshu Gupta & Kumar Shreshth & Manjeet Kharub & Ashwani Kumar, 2024. "Strategies to overcome challenges to smart sustainable logistics: a Bayesian-based group decision-making approach," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(5), pages 11743-11770, May.
    6. Bai, Chunguang & Zhu, Qingyun & Sarkis, Joseph, 2021. "Joint blockchain service vendor-platform selection using social network relationships: A multi-provider multi-user decision perspective," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    7. Ieva Meidute-Kavaliauskiene & Amir Karbassi Yazdi & Amir Mehdiabadi, 2022. "Integration of Blockchain Technology and Prioritization of Deployment Barriers in the Blood Supply Chain," Logistics, MDPI, vol. 6(1), pages 1-16, March.
    8. Sharfuddin Ahmed Khan & Muhammad Shujaat Mubarik & Simonov Kusi‐Sarpong & Himanshu Gupta & Syed Imran Zaman & Mobashar Mubarik, 2022. "Blockchain technologies as enablers of supply chain mapping for sustainable supply chains," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 31(8), pages 3742-3756, December.
    9. Priyanshu Kumar Singh & R. Maheswaran, 2024. "Analysis of social barriers to sustainable innovation and digitisation in supply chain," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(2), pages 5223-5248, February.
    10. Matthew Quayson & Chunguang Bai & Lihua Sun & Joseph Sarkis, 2023. "Building blockchain‐driven dynamic capabilities for developing circular supply chain: Rethinking the role of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 4821-4840, November.
    11. Matthew Quayson & Chunguang Bai & Joseph Sarkis & Md Altab Hossin, 2024. "Evaluating barriers to blockchain technology for sustainable agricultural supply chain: A fuzzy hierarchical group DEMATEL approach," Operations Management Research, Springer, vol. 17(2), pages 728-753, June.
    12. Ecer, Fatih & Pamucar, Dragan, 2022. "A novel LOPCOW‐DOBI multi‐criteria sustainability performance assessment methodology: An application in developing country banking sector," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 112(C).
    13. Abderahman Rejeb & Andrea Appolloni, 2022. "The Nexus of Industry 4.0 and Circular Procurement: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-21, November.
    14. Lai, Kee-hung & Feng, Yunting & Zhu, Qinghua, 2023. "Digital transformation for green supply chain innovation in manufacturing operations," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    15. Alptekin Ulutaş & Ayşe Topal & Dragan Pamučar & Željko Stević & Darjan Karabašević & Gabrijela Popović, 2022. "A New Integrated Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Sustainable Supplier Selection Based on a Novel Grey WISP and Grey BWM Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-20, December.
    16. James J. H. Liou & Perry C. Y. Liu & Huai-Wei Lo, 2020. "A Failure Mode Assessment Model Based on Neutrosophic Logic for Switched-Mode Power Supply Risk Analysis," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 8(12), pages 1-19, December.
    17. Halil Ibrahim Cicekdagi & Ertugrul Ayyildiz & Mehmet Cabir Akkoyunlu, 2023. "Enhancing search and rescue team performance: investigating factors behind social loafing," Natural Hazards: Journal of the International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, Springer;International Society for the Prevention and Mitigation of Natural Hazards, vol. 119(3), pages 1315-1340, December.
    18. Junnan Wu & Xin Liu & Dianqi Pan & Yichen Zhang & Jiquan Zhang & Kai Ke, 2023. "Research on Safety Evaluation of Municipal Sewage Treatment Plant Based on Improved Best-Worst Method and Fuzzy Comprehensive Method," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, May.
    19. Viswanathan Nagarajan & Prateek Sharma, 2021. "Firm internationalization and long‐term impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 42(6), pages 1477-1491, September.
    20. Feng, Jianghong & Guo, Ping & Xu, Guangyi & Xu, Gangyan & Ning, Yu, 2024. "An integrated decision framework for resilient sustainable waste electric vehicle battery recycling transfer station site selection," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 373(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:23:p:10639-:d:1536701. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.