SELF AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PATHWAYS FROM LIVED EXPERIENCE: A CASE STUDY OF A NATURAL RUBBER EXPORT ENTREPRENEUR IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

Abstract

This research aimed 1) To analyze the self-development trajectory of a latex export entrepreneur 2) Examine the organizational development processes that facilitate business success alongside self-development, and 3) Synthesize the factors and developmental approaches contributing to business success. The study employed an auto/biographical ethnography methodology. Key informants consisted of a latex export entrepreneur based in Southern Thailand and company employees with more than two years of tenure, totaling six individuals. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document and contextual analysis, and observation. Data validity was ensured via triangulation and verification by key informants, and the data were analyzed using content analysis. Research findings indicate that 1) The personal development of a latex export entrepreneur in Southern Thailand was driven by childhood limitations-specifically regarding education and socioeconomic status-which fostered self-reliance, discipline, and a "learning-by-doing" approach that cultivated new skills, 2) The business's success stemmed from proactive entrepreneurship, family-based management, and intergenerational good governance through experiential learning, networking, and discipline, the organization achieves resilience and sustainable growth, 3) Key success factors include core values-honesty, diligence, perseverance, and frugality-combined with hands-on learning, a proactive entrepreneurial mindset, social capital, and family governance, all of which form an entrepreneurial model. Suggestions for future research include investigating what a management model that seamlessly integrates family-style and international approaches should look like.