Abstract:
This study aims to explore the trends of technological transformation in the
automotive industry, analyze its impacts on employment, and develop a conceptual
model that illustrates the dynamic effects of technological change on employment in the automotive sector. A qualitative research methodology was employed based on the principles of Grounded Theory. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with human resource professionals and labor management stakeholders from industrial establishments located in Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao, and Samut Prakan provinces. Informants were selected using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The researcher received strong support from the Management Automotive Club (MAC+), a network of executives and HR professionals from Thailands automotive industry. Data collection continued until saturation was reached, resulting in a total of 46 key informants. Data were analyzed using the Grounded Theory approach. The findings reveal that: (1) The Thai automotive industry is undergoing a transition toward an era of advanced technologies, characterized by the integration of automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and real-time control systems, significantly transforming production patterns and supply chains. (2) These technological changes have a direct impact on labor structures, skill demands, and employment patterns. There is an increasing demand for workers with digital, data analytics, and automation-related skills, prompting organizations to adapt their human resource strategies and job structure designs accordingly. (3) A key theoretical contribution of this study is the development of a systemic model linking three groups of variables: technological drivers (Digital Disruption and Product Transition), mediating mechanisms (Workforce and Organizational Adaptation), and outcomes (Operational Efficiency). These relationships are synthesized into the Automotive Industry Transition Dynamics (AITD) Model, which illustrates the structural transformation of the industry under the influence of technological drivers.