Implementation of Food Safety Management System in Thai Small and Medium Food Processing Enterprises: Institutional and Resource Dependence Perspective

Abstract

This study integrated institutional theory and resource dependence theory to construct a framework for analyzing the factors determining the implementation of food safety management systems (FSMSs) in food processing SMEs in Thailand in responding to the food safety pressures. A survey questionnaire was employed to probe a sample of Thai food processing SMEs. The standardized questionnaire was mailed to managers who were responsible for food safety in 820 such firms. The 195 valid questionnaires were returned (23.8 percent response rate). The findings revealed that the FSMSs implementation by Thai food processing SMEs can be predicted by (1) expected social legitimacy to be gained from the implementation, (2) top management commitment to implementing FSMSs, (3) the extent of FSMSs implemented by competitors, (4) the exchange of food safety knowledge and information between firm and other organizations within food industry, and (5) firm size in terms of employee numbers. The results suggested that government should disseminate food safety management knowledge and practices particularly to top management of food processing SMEs, and the top management should be aware of the potential benefits as well as the importance of the implementation of a suitable FSMS in their firms. In addition, government should direct its attention and resources towards the smaller food processing firms.