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The inexperienced cross-cultural manager may be seriously misled when he interprets Thai labour processes using assumptions drawn from other societies. On these assumptions Thai labour processes seem unsophisticated and exploitative. Despite power differences, which can be exploited, Thais believe that a coincidence of interest between the parties is the norm. That rests upon the productive significance which they attach to harmonious workplace interactions, which in turn explains an emphasis upon company level dialogue, and a distrust of formal or legalised procedures. Although the dangers of unstructured relationships are recognised, labour analysts are cautious about relinquishing the advantages of traditional relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]