A Study of Thai ‘Krengjai’ Culture and its Impact on Happiness at the Workplace

Abstract

This research is an exploratory and introductory study about the “Thai-Krengjai Culture,” its impact at the workplace, and its impact on workplace happiness. While Krengjai has no formal definition in the English dictionary, academic literature explains Krengjai as a series of mindsets and behavioral traits of Thai people and Thai culture. It describes that Thai people are expected to be considerate, kind, caring, deferential, and respectful, aware of each other’s feelings and perceptions. In addition, Thais must be reluctant to disturb or offend and fearful of disturbing someone by approaching them. This study aims to build upon previous research by re-defining Thai-Krengjai culture as having six core mindsets, each with character traits and behavioral patterns expected of Thai-Krengjai Culture. These six core mindsets make up the six variables for study, namely Non-Conflicting Mindset, Considerate Mindset, Self-Aware Mindset, Follower-Mindset, Respectful-Mindset, and Easy-Going Mindset. Each of these variables comprises sub-variables that include Thais must save face, Thai people must not seek conflict or confrontation, Thais must co-exist in harmony. Thais must be Krengjai (considerate) and be kind and helpful. Thai people must be self-effacing and be self-sufficient. Thai people must be obedient and compliant, Thai people must be flexible and accepting, and Thais must inhibit their true feelings. Thai people must be grateful and appreciative and be respectful and fearful of seniors. Finally, Thai people must project a positive image, and Thais must be easy-going and prefer simple aspects. The dependent variable was Happiness at the Workplace. Qualitative research was used to collect data in the form of a multiple-choice, five-point Likert scale survey questionnaire designed to gauge the impact of Krengjai at the workplace and workplace happiness. Convenience sampling was used to survey 348 respondents, including 161 females, 175 males, and twelve gender-neutral, who have had experience with Thai-Krengjai Culture. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that all variables apart from Respectful-Mindset and Easy-Going Mindset did not impact workplace happiness. Using descriptive statistics and means comparison, results showed Krengjai caused issues at the workplace, such as lying, whereby people choose to omit and mislead about issues, overlook or ignore problems, overlook bullying, harassment, oppression, offer bribes for favors, prefer partying and drinking ethic over working hard, work only as much as getting paid, be vague, not make tough decisions, will not communicate freely and openly, feint responsiveness and attentiveness, shy away from offering opinions and showing one’s capabilities, and so on. This study advises that it is best not to adhere to Krengjai practices at work. Not conforming with most aspects of Krengjai will not affect their happiness at work, and not adhering to Krengjai will also help prevent issues caused at the workplace.