Leadership Affecting the Performance of the Subdistrict and Village Headmen in Vajirabarami District, Phichit Province

Abstract

             The purposes of this research were: 1) to study the level of leadership of subdistrict and village headman in the Vajirabarami District, Phichit Province, 2) to compare personal factors affecting the performance of duties among subdistrict and village headman in Vajirabarami District, Phichit Province, and 3) to explore strategies to improve the performance of subdistrict heads and village chiefs in the Vajirabarami District, Phichit Province. This research employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. For the quantitative aspect, the sample consisted of 400 people. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The statistical tools used included frequency distribution, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. For the qualitative aspect, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 purposively selected individuals. The content was analyzed and summarized in essay form.
             The research results found that:
             1. The overall level of leadership among subdistrict heads and village chiefs in Vajirabarami District, Phichit Province was found to be high. When examining each aspect individually, the highest average score was for leadership characteristics, followed by organizational development, responsibility, results-oriented performance, good governance with moral and ethical values, and strategic leadership and communication.
             2. The comparison of personal factors influencing the performance of subdistrict heads and village chiefs revealed that age and average monthly income were statistically significant variables affecting perceptions of performance. Conversely, gender, educational attainment, occupation, and place of residence were not found to have a statistically significant effect on perceptions of leadership performance at the 0.05 level.
             3. The recommended strategies for enhancing the performance of subdistrict heads and village chiefs in the Vajirabarami District include continuous development of leadership potential focusing on knowledge, capability, and administrative skills. This development should lead to effective self-management, people management, and work management. Importantly, there should be efforts to raise community awareness regarding their own strengths and weaknesses, foster understanding of current challenges,  and support the ability to set future goals and directions for the community.