The present invention is directed to a process for preparing amides or polyamides by replacing isocyanate starting materials of a catalyzed thermal reaction with aromatic carbamates. Through the catalyzed thermal process involving a non-isocyanate precursor of the present invention, efficiency for producing amides or polyamides can be significantly improved, and the impure side products produced from a side reaction of isocyanate can be greatly curtailed. Hence, amides or polyamides of high purity and yield can be achieved. The invention also relates to a process for preparing aromatic carbamates, the new non-isocyanate precursors for amides or polyamides.