Integrating Crystal Field Theory and Cross-Cultural Communication: A Mixed-Method Case Study of Thai Management Trainees
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Abstract
This study explores the conceptual integration of Crystal Field Theory (CFT) with Cross-Cultural Communication (CCC) as a metaphorical framework to understand the transformation of Thai management trainees during international internship programs. Using a mixed-method approach, the research combines quantitative analysis of satisfaction levels with qualitative reflection on intercultural experiences. Data were collected from 30 Thai management trainees who participated in cross-border professional training between 2023 and 2024. Descriptive statistics (Mean, SD, and %) were used to measure satisfaction levels, while thematic analysis was applied to reflective journals. The findings revealed that the trainees demonstrated notable improvement in five areas of CCC competence: cultural awareness, communication adaptability, teamwork, leadership, and emotional intelligence. The CFT metaphor illustrates how exposure to diverse cultural “fields” reshapes individuals’ professional identities just as ligand interactions in chemistry modify energy states within a crystal field. This interdisciplinary approach provides new insight into human adaptability and learning in multicultural environments.
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