The Study of Core Competency of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Entrepreneurs in Bangkok to integrate into the ASEAN Community

Abstract

This research aimed to study core competency of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) entrepreneur in Bangkok tointegrate into the ASEAN Community. Conceptual framework was based on core competency of entrepreneurs and the success of the entrepreneurs to integrate into the ASEAN Community. Research methods consisted of qualitative and quantitative approaches. Purposive sampling method was used to get information from 10 informants consisting of researchers, teachers, and SMEs entrepreneurs in Bangkok. Stratified random sampling of 400 respondents of entrepreneurs in Bangkok was applied by using self-reported questionnaires. Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics. Major results revealed that seven core competencies required for SMEs to prepare for ASEAN community consisted of human relations, communication technology, knowledge in labour and production, achievement motivation, creativity, emotion management, and language. The findings implied that core competencies reflected the commitment, creativity, knowledge, skills, beliefs, and habits of personnel in the organisation as a whole, which helped support the organisation to achieve its visions and goals.