Local Administration Journal

Comparative Patronage: Conceptual Definitions in Social, Cultural, and Political Contexts

2025-07-24T14:30:11+07:00

The concept of patronage is commonly interpreted within the domains of the social economy, culture, and politics. In political contexts, it is often perceived more negatively than positively. This article seeks to examine both the positive and negative dimensions of patronage to provide a more balanced understanding. It also compares interpretations of patronage across historical and contemporary contexts, with particular attention to Thai society and politics. The analysis highlights varying assumptions underlying the concept of patronage and proposes a deeper theoretical understanding that extends beyond conventional interpretations.

Repackaging Agricultural Research Information for Adoption of Improved Farming Practices among Sorghum Farmers in Dodoma Region, Tanzania

2025-04-08T16:01:12+07:00

Promoting the adoption of improved farming practices hinges on making agricultural research understandable and accessible to smallholder farmers. However, effectively repackaging and disseminating this knowledge remains a global challenge. This study explored how language preference affects adoption, evaluated the quality attributes of repackaged information, and examined these relationships among 399 sorghum farmers in Dodoma, selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to identify key patterns, while Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) assessed variations in perceived quality attributes. Additionally, binary logistic regression estimated the likelihood of adoption based on these attributes. The findings revealed that 91% of farmers preferred Kiswahili, and this language preference significantly affected adoption (p < 0.001). Among the quality attributes of repackaged information, language, format, and completeness ranked highest. Regression analysis indicated that language, objectivity, and completeness were crucial in influencing adoption. The study concludes that repackaging agricultural research in accessible language and formats tailored to local preferences can enhance the uptake of improved practices. Recommendations include using visual aids, providing hands-on training, and employing local languages to promote inclusivity. Building trust through community leaders and fostering collaboration among researchers, extension workers, and policymakers can help translate research findings into practical solutions, ultimately benefiting local communities and facilitating the adoption of better farming practices.

Lessons Learned from Singapore’s Transformation Toward Digital Government

2022-02-09T10:07:26+07:00

Information technology has become increasingly integral to government operations, driving public sector reforms aimed at improving efficiency and enhancing responsiveness to citizens in the digital era. This transformation is commonly described as the emergence of digital government. This article pursues two objectives: (1) to examine Singapore’s approach to public sector reform toward digital government, and (2) to identify lessons from Singapore’s successful digital transformation. Employing a qualitative research design, the study relies on documentary analysis and literature review. The findings indicate that Singapore’s transformation was guided by three key frameworks: the Digital Economy Framework, the Digital Government Framework, and the Digital Society Framework. These initiatives have contributed to notable success and offer valuable insights for other countries, particularly Thailand, as they pursue comparable reform efforts.

Digital Transformation Readiness of the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, Chiang Mai University

2025-05-01T08:53:04+07:00

This study aims to (1) assess the faculty’s readiness, challenges, and obstacles in transitioning to a digital organization, and (2) propose recommendations for enhancing the digital development plan of the Faculty of Political Science and Public Administration, Chiang Mai University. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were derived from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with three respondent groups: administrators, academic staff, and support staff. The findings indicate that the faculty demonstrates a high level of readiness for digital transformation, with an average score of 3.86. Readiness factors were ranked in the following order: organizational culture, organizational structure (including leadership and personnel), technology, and strategic planning. Key recommendations include (1) strengthening skills, expertise, and innovation, (2) digitizing core processes, and (3) developing infrastructure. Challenges were identified at three levels: individual (limited knowledge and skills, resistance to change, unequal learning readiness, and lack of integration between academic and support staff), system and process (complex and inconsistent systems, limited connectivity, frequent system changes, weak strategic planning, insufficient communication, and inadequate investment), and organizational (unclear vision, unsuitable structures, resistant culture, lack of digital leadership, restrictive regulations, and insufficient IT personnel). Policy recommendations emphasize promoting a digital culture and mindset, restructuring to strengthen technological and expert roles, investing in appropriate technologies and infrastructure, continuously upskilling staff, and formulating clear strategic plans that foster collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve sustainable digital transformation.

Developing Personnel Knowledge in Chainat Provincial Administrative Organization: Needs and Enhancement Policies

2025-05-21T09:07:54+07:00

This study aims to (1) examine differences in knowledge development needs among personnel under the Chainat Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) based on demographic characteristics and (2) propose policy recommendations and strategic plans to enhance their knowledge and skills. A quantitative research design was employed using a questionnaire administered to a sample of 148 PAO personnel, selected through probability sampling combining quota and simple random techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (one-way ANOVA). The findings indicate that personnel differ significantly in their knowledge development needs according to age, educational level, position, and departmental affiliation, while gender and length of employment show no statistically significant differences. Based on these results, the Chainat PAO should promote knowledge development tailored to demographic characteristics by designing training programs for diverse age groups and educational backgrounds. In addition, lifelong learning should be supported through online platforms, workshops, and mentorship programs to encourage continuous self-development. The study concludes that aligning knowledge development with demographic characteristics enhances learning effectiveness and contributes to sustainable local administrative performance.

Government Organizational Management for Enhancing the Entrepreneurial Capacity of Community Enterprise Groups in Nakhon Phanom Province

2025-01-02T13:42:59+07:00

This study aims to (1) examine the management of problems and obstacles in government organizations for enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities, (2) assess the level of entrepreneurial capability, (3) analyze factors influencing entrepreneurial capability, and (4) develop policy and practical recommendations to strengthen entrepreneurial capability of community enterprise groups in Nakhon Phanom. A mixed-methods approach was employed. The sample comprised 126 entrepreneurial groups in the textile and garment sector, selected through stratified and simple random sampling. Research instruments included a questionnaire and interviews protocol Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings reveal that community enterprises were assessed in 2022, with 534 rated as good, 892 as moderate, and 217 as in need of improvement. The overall entrepreneurial capability of community enterprises was found to be at a high level (M = 3.84). (3) Significant factors influencing entrepreneurial capability included government support (β = .265) and network building (β = .231). Policy and practical recommendations emphasize organizational management strategies and collaboration with both public and private sector agencies to enhance entrepreneurial capability.