DEVELOPING INNOVATIVE THINKING SKILLS OF EMPLOYEES IN LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION WITH THAILAND'S GOOD GOVERNANCE AWARD : PAK KRET CITY

Abstract

This research article aimed to (1) examine the level of human resource development (HRD) activities and innovative thinking skills of personnel;
(2) investigate the relationship between HRD activities and innovative thinking skills; and (3) propose guidelines for enhancing innovative thinking skills among personnel of Pak Kret City Municipality, Nonthaburi Province, a model local government organization recognized for good governance. The study employed a quantitative research design using a questionnaire as the research instrument. Data were collected from a sample of 368 municipal personnel. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics, specifically Pearson’s product–moment correlation coefficient. The findings revealed that: (1) the overall levels of HRD activities and innovative thinking skills were high, with creative networking showing the highest mean score; (2) HRD activities were positively correlated with innovative thinking skills at the .05 level of statistical significance, indicating that HRD plays a crucial role in fostering innovative capacity. However, no significant relationship was found between traditional training activities and the dimension of imaginative risk-taking, suggesting that conventional training approaches may be insufficient to stimulate creativity within the public sector context; and (3) development guidelines should shift from regulation-based, traditional training formats toward more personalized learning approaches. Supporting individual interests and strengths would more effectively enhance innovative thinking skills and promote sustainable innovation in Thai local government organizations.