OTOP Leaders in Chiang Mai Province of Thailand

Abstract

The objectives of this study are to analyze the managerial potential of “One Tumbon, One Product” (OTOP) leaders based on the sufficiency economy philosophy, to study the managerial potential of OTOP leaders, and to suggest guidelines to enhance the managerial potential of these leaders based on the sufficiency economy philosophy. Quantitative research was used to evaluate the managerial potential based on the sufficiency economy of OTOP leaders in Chiang Mai. The population consisted of leaders of 124 groups from 25 Chiang Mai districts who had registered with the Department of Community Development to join OTOP projects. The sample was selected from leaders of OTOP business groups divided in accordance with types of products. This study finds that most leaders, sponsored and assisted by many other organizations, were enthusiastic about using this opportunity to better themselves but were initially unaware of and unconcerned with the sufficiency economy in their work. Furthermore, the potential of most OTOP leaders in production, human resources, and financial, organizational, and marketing management, based on the sufficiency economy philosophy, was greatly augmented by attending the development project. On completion, the study recommended that OTOP leaders should apply the sufficiency economy in their management approach and should also conduct their work based on the middle path.