Developing Creative Leadership among Local Administrators for Smart Locality Advancement in Maha Sarakham Province

Ntapat Worapongpat

Authors

Ntapat Worapongpat Eastern Institute of Technology Suvarnabhumi; Department of Social Administration and Development, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Thailand

Keywords:

creative leadership, local administrators, smart locality, leadership development, Maha Sarakham Province

Abstract

In an era of rapid change, developing creative leadership among local administrators is a critical factor in driving smart locality development in Maha Sarakham Province. Visionary thinking, systematic innovation, and flexible management are essential for sustainable transformation. This study aimed to: (1) examine the current state, desired state, and priority needs for creative leadership among local administrators; and (2) develop strategic guidelines to strengthen creative leadership for the concrete advancement of smart localities. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample consisted of 331 local administrators selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Statistical analyses included mean, standard deviation, and the Modified Priority Needs Index (PNI Modified). The findings revealed that the current state of creative leadership was at a high level (M = 3.85, S.D. = 1.89), while the desired state was at the highest level (M = 4.80, S.D. = 1.98). Priority needs for development, ranked from highest to lowest, were creativity (PNI Modified = 0.272), vision (0.257), individualized consideration (0.256), teamwork (0.249), flexibility (0.233), and imagination (0.215). The proposed guidelines consist of six major strategies and eighteen sub-strategies, all evaluated at the highest levels of appropriateness, feasibility, and utility (M = 4.91–4.96). Enhancing creative leadership among local administrators is therefore a key mechanism for advancing smart locality development. The findings provide practical and systematic guidelines that can strengthen leadership capacity in government organizations and support sustainable development in the digital era.

Author Biography

Ntapat Worapongpat, Eastern Institute of Technology Suvarnabhumi; Department of Social Administration and Development, Rajabhat Maha Sarakham University, Thailand

Nonthaburi

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