Management challenges for the telecom operators: A framework for understanding the telecommunications strategic planning process for the case of the Telephone Organisation of Thailand (1954-1996)

Abstract

This research explores new ground by providing the first detailed study of strategic planning and practices of the Telephone Organisation of Thailand (TOT) during its first 42 years (1954-1996). A conceptual framework for a Telecommunications Strategic Planning Process (TSPP) is developed to study the underlying TSPP strategies at play in the TOT. It does this by investigating the relationships between the organisation, the TSPP, and the environment for the development processes of a Telecommunications Strategic Plan (TSP). The central thesis of this study is based on the assumption that unless an appropriate TSPP can be installed, the organisational TSP cannot succeed. The results of the study provide sufficient support to validate the central thesis. The study addresses the questions about how to develop the TSPP and how do the managers go about developing the TSPP. Furthermore, the study identifies that there are significant gaps between the theory of strategic planning and theory in strategic planning that can be classified as normative and descriptive aspects of the strategic planning theories. Research findings also suggest that it is now time for the Thai telecommunications, and in particular the TOT, to establish a formal TSPP for building a general consensus among the key executives involved in strategic planning. This is to ensure sustaining their organisational growth as well as to maintain the competitive status of the Thai telecommunications industry in the global marketplace. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.