Kittichai Rajchamaha and Jatupat Prapojanasomboon
This study examines the perspectives of undergraduate science and technology students in Thailand regarding the influence of various role models on their entrepreneurial skills.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the perspectives of undergraduate science and technology students in Thailand regarding the influence of various role models on their entrepreneurial skills.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed the single case study research method. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The sample consisted of 142 key informants, whose responses were analysed using a direct content analysis method.
Findings
From the students' perspectives, entrepreneurial role models indirectly influenced their entrepreneurial skills.
Practical implications
The findings have clear implications for educators and policymakers. Educational institutions should design and implement educational strategies that help connect informal learning gained from the family with formal training at higher education institutions. On-the-job or apprenticeship training should also be included as a component of course content.
Originality/value
Our findings regarding the influence of role models differ from those of previous studies in relation to two of the four role models considered here. First, according to the students, their family environment has no direct impact on their entrepreneurial skills. In addition, science- and technology-based educational environments should adopt an entrepreneurial orientation to help students understand various market and business pressures, which will enable them to make a positive contribution to the workplace.
Details
Keywords
Sutee Tantivanichanon, Winai Wongsurawat and Kittichai Rajchamaha
The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of publically listed firms in Thailand that have achieved superior corporate governance scores (CGSs) and their…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of publically listed firms in Thailand that have achieved superior corporate governance scores (CGSs) and their motivations.
Design/methodology/approach
In-depth interviews with CFOs and directors were conducted to gain insights into the firms’ motivations in increasing their CGS. Multiple regression, ANOVA and t-tests were employed to examine the score patterns. In total, we collected a year’s data from 502 companies from the 2010 Thai stock market database.
Findings
Interview results suggest that high CGS can: first, help reduce the cost of debt; second, help the firm achieve incremental profitability; third, improve a firm’s value and stock price; and fourth, create confidence among insiders and build trust among outsiders. The quantitative analysis indicates that large state enterprises and widely held companies that issue bonds are significantly more likely to obtain good CGS. Frequency of board meetings and superior financial performance are also associated with higher governance ratings.
Originality/value
This study systematically examines the characteristics of companies achieving different corporate governance rankings and investigates possible motivations behind their choices.