The Promoting communities to build networks and develop community-based tourism through the social engineer process in Na Siao Subdistrict, Mueang Chaiyaphum District, Chaiyaphum Province

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) promote and develop community knowledge of tourism through the Social Engineer Process; 2) develop and examine the appropriateness and feasibility of a prototype model for further development and enhancement of sustainable community-based tourism; and 3) promote collaboration and establish a community tourism development network between Na Siao Subdistrict and Chaiyaphum Rajabhat University. The study employed qualitative developmental research conducted in three phases. In Phase 1, 30 participants were purposively selected from community leaders, local sages, and tourism stakeholders. Five Social Engineer tools, observation, and discussion were used. In Phase 2, 30 tourism-related participants were purposively selected; a semi-structured interview guide and review of the draft model were used. In Phase 3, representatives from four sectors participated in meetings, focus groups, and the formulation of a collaboration framework. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and trustworthiness was examined through triangulation. The findings showed that: 1) the community possessed five types of tourism-related capital and six key development factors, while the Social Engineer Process connected community data with joint problem analysis and option formulation; 2) the prototype model comprised seven components: community context and capital, human development, the Social Engineer Process, participation and management, tourism activity and value development, networks and partners, and monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability; implementation should be adapted to local resources and context; and 3) collaboration should begin with community-defined issues, with seven stakeholder groups, a five-step collaboration process, and a seven-step network mechanism synthesized.