THE DYNAMICS OF TECHNOLOGICAL DISRUPTION AND ITS IMPACT ON EMPLOYMENT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY: A GROUNDED THEORY STUDY
Keywords:
Technological Disruption, Employment, Automotive Industry, Electric Vehicles, Grounded TheoryAbstract
This study aimed to explore the trends of technological transformation in the automotive industry, analyze its impact on employment, and develop a theoretical conceptual model using a qualitative research methodology grounded in the principles of Grounded Theory. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with human resource professionals and individuals involved in labor management from automotive industry companies in Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao and Samut Prakan provinces. A total of 46 participants were selected through purposive sampling and snowballing. Data collection continued until the saturation point was reached. The findings revealed that 1) the Thai automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation through the adoption of advanced technologies, especially automation, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and digital technologies, which is significantly reshaping production processes and supply chain structures. 2) Production technologies, automation and the shift to electric vehicles are driving structural change, while reskilling, job restructuring and internal management mediate these effects and improving performance through fewer errors and faster production. 3) Production technologies, automation systems and the transition to electric vehicles serve as important drivers of structural change for both the workforce and companies. These changes play a crucial role in transferring the technological impact to operational efficiency. This led to the development of a systems-based model that reflects the relationships between causal, intervening and outcome variables in the transformation process of the automotive industry.
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