Skill Standards of Labor Force, Knowledge of Labor Force, Skills and Expertise, and Production Process Affecting Furniture Exports

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study 1) levels of furniture exports, skill standards of labor force, knowledge of labor force, skills and expertise, and production process; and 2) factors affecting furniture exports. This research employed a mixed research methodology combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. In the quantitative research part, the sample consisted of 300 companies that were members of Thai Furniture Association, selected by stratified sampling. The sample size was determined based on a criterion of 20 times the observed variables. Data were collected with the use of a questionnaire and analyzed with a structural equation model. As for the qualitative research component, in-depth interviews were conducted with 9 key informants who were executives of organizations related to the furniture industry. They were selected by purposive sampling. Data were analyzed with content analysis. Research findings showed that: 1) furniture exports, skill standards of the labor force, knowledge of the labor force, skills and expertise, and production process were rated at the highest level; and 2) production process affected furniture exports the most, followed by skills and expertise, skill standards of labor force, and knowledge of labor force, respectively. These research findings are beneficial for entrepreneurs in the furniture export business as they can use these findings in determining their operational plans and enhancing the labor force’s skills in the furniture production process in the future.