Leadership and Effective Management of Social Enterprises in Organic Food Industry in Thailand

Abstract

   The objective of this research was to study the definition of the effective management of social enterprises in organic food industry and characteristics of leadership affecting an effective management of social enterprises in organic food industry in Thailand. Information were gathered from three major groups: 1) social enterprises in organic food industry, 2) academics and subject matter experts, and 3) stakeholders. In-depth interview techniques were employed along with personnel observation. Research tools included semi-structured interview forms which cover the objective of this research. The interview forms were structured based on conceptual framework and related theories.
   The result of the study showed that the effective management of social enterprises in organic food industry was ability to solve set organizational issues, and the ability to generate consumer awareness of organic food offered by social enterprises. Leadership skills by management team were crucial to drive their organization. Characteristics of leadership which affected an effective management of social enterprises in organic food industry in Thailand were: 1) Socially Responsible, Leadership, 2) Ethical Leadership, 3) Strategic Leadership, and 4) Visionary Leadership.