Digital Leadership Development Model of Provincial Administrative Organization Executives in Eastern Economic Corridor of Thailand
Article Sidebar
Main Article Content
Abstract
The objectives of this research were: 1) to study the current and desired conditions of digital leadership development of executives of Provincial Administrative Organizations, and 2) to develop a model for digital leadership development of executives of Provincial Administrative Organizations in Eastern Economic Corridor Provinces of Thailand. A mixed-methods research approach was utilized. The sample consisted of personnel from four PAOs within the EEC. The key informants included two groups: Group 1 comprised 12 PAO presidents and vice-presidents, selected by purposive sampling based on specified qualifications. Group 2 consisted of 424 staff and personnel, totaling 436 individuals, selected through multi-stage random sampling. The research instruments included questionnaires and a suitability and feasibility assessment form for the developed model. Statistical analysis involved mean, standard deviation, Priority Needs Index Modified, and content analysis.
The research findings revealed: 1) The current state of digital leadership development was generally at a high level, while the desired state was at the highest level and 2) The digital leadership development model comprised (1) five core components: Visionary leadership, digital communication strategies, integration of connected management systems, building a government innovative organization, and a digital learning atmosphere and culture; (2) seven characteristics: diversity awareness, influencing ability, good governance, big information management, clear targeting, aim for achievement, and digital learning agility; and (3) six development goals: Inspiration, confidence building, adaptability to change, time allocation for access, leading to change, and fostering virtual reality; and 3) the evaluation of the model’s suitability and feasibility was at the highest level.
Article Details
References
Aboobaker, N., & KA, Z. (2021). Digital Learning Orientation and Innovative Behavior in the Higher Education Sector: Effects of Organizational Learning Culture and Readiness for Change. International Journal of Educational Management, 35(5), 1030-1047.
Agazu, A., Tran, D., & Mamo, H. (2025). Transformational leadership and firm performance: A systematic literature review. Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, 14(1), 29-45.
Bartsch, S., Weber, E., Büttgen, M., & Huber, A. (2021). Leadership Matters in Crisis-induced Digital Transformation: How to lead service employees effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Service Management, 32(1), 71-85.
Busse, R., & Weidner, G. (2020). A Qualitative Investigation on Combined Effects of Distant Leadership, Organisational Agility and Digital Collaboration on Perceived Employee Engagement. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 41(4), 535-550.
Carvalho, A., Alves, H., & Leitão, J. (2022). What research tells us about leadership styles, digital transformation and performance in state higher education?. International Journal of Educational Management, 36(2), 218-232.
Chandra, P., Tomitsch, M., & Large, M. (2021). Innovation Education Programs: a Review of Definitions, Pedagogy, Frameworks and Evaluation Measures. European Journal of Innovation Management, 24(4), 1268-1291.
Denning, S. (2021). The Digital Age is Transforming Job Descriptions, Especially for CEOs. Strategy & Leadership, 49(5), 8-15.
Department of Local Administration. (2025). Government Action Plan for the Fiscal Year 2024. Access on: March 31, 2025. Available from: https://www.dla.go.th/visit/
additionalplans2567.pdf [In Thai]
Dick, W., Carey, L., & Carey, J. O. (2015). The systematic design of instruction (8th ed.). New York: Pearson.
Erhan, T., Uzunbacak, H.H., & Aydin, E. (2022). From Conventional to Digital Leadership: Exploring Digitalization of Leadership and Innovative Work Behavior. Management Research Review, 45(11), 1524-1543.
Horton International. (2025). Top 10 Leadership Trends for 2025. Access on: April 30, 2025. Available from: https://hortoninternational.com/leadership-trends-for-2025/
Klindee, M., & Thampitug, S. (2020). Strategy for the Development of Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization to Support Eastern Special Development Zone. Journal of Educational Review, 7(3), 183-196. [In Thai]
Likert, R. (1967). The human organization: Its management and value. New York: McGrawHill.
Machado, C.G., Winroth, M., Almström, P., Ericson Öberg, A., Kurdve, M., & AlMashalah, S. (2021). Digital Organizational Readiness: Experiences from Manufacturing Companies. Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, 32(9), 167-182.
Ngayo Fotso, G.M. (2021). Leadership Competencies for the 21st Century: a Review from the Western World Literature. European Journal of Training and Development, 45(6/7), 566-587.
Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Board. (2021). The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) development lies at the heart of Thailand 4.0 scheme. Access on: January 31, 2024. Available from: https://www.eeco.or.th/en/why-eec
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board. (2022). National Economic and Social Development Plan No. 13 (2023-2027). Bangkok: Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board. [In Thai]
Phakamach, P., Panjarattanakorn, D., & Onsampant, S. (2023). Conceptualization and Development of Digital Leadership to Drive Corporate Digital Transformation for Sustainable Success. International Journal of Educational Communications and Technology, 3(2), 27-39.
Phakamach, P., Senarith, P., & Wachirawongpaisarn, S. (2022a). A Study of the Appropriate Component of Educational Innovative Organization in the Digital Era for Science School in Thailand. Journal of Teacher Professional Development, 3(2), 33-49. [In Thai]
Phakamach, P., Senarith, P., & Wachirawongpaisarn, S. (2022b). ICT Systems Development Guidelines for Educational Innovation Management of Rajamangala University of Technology in Thailand. Journal of Education and Innovative Learning, 2(2), 109-130. [In Thai]
Phakamach, P., Senarith, P., & Wachirawongpaisarn, S. (2022c). The Metaverse in Education: The Future of Immersive Teaching & Learning. RICE Journal of Creative Entrepreneurship and Management, 3(2), 75-88.
Phakamach, P., Wachirawongpaisarn, S., & Charoenchue, W. (2021). Digital leadership: definition, skills, roadmap and organization’s digital transformation drives. The 2nd RMUTR International Conference 2021 (Innovative Technology and Creative Work toward Sustainable Development). 7-9 July 2021. Nakhon Pathom: Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin. 267-277. [In Thai]
Proaction International. (2025). 7 Key Leadership Trends to Elevate Your Teams in 2025. Access on: April 30, 2025. Available from: https://blog.proactioninternational.com/en/leadership-trends
Ranjith Kumar, R., Ganesh, L.S., & Rajendran, C. (2022). Quality 4.0 – a Review of Quality and Framework for Quality Management in the Digital Era. International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, 39(6), 1385-1411.
Robertson, J., Botha, E., Walker, B., Wordsworth, R., & Balzarova, M. (2022). Fortune Favours the Digitally Mature: the Impact of Digital Maturity on the Organizational Resilience of SME Retailers During COVID-19. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 50(8/9), 1182-1204.
Schiuma, G., Schettini, E., Santarsiero, F., & Carlucci, D. (2022). The Transformative Leadership Compass: Six Competencies for Digital Transformation Entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 28(5), 1273-1291.
Srimoonpha, S., & Rukponmongkol. P. (2023). Guidelines for Develop Leadership in the Digital Age of School Administrators in Suphanburi Primary Educational Area Region 3. Journal of Association of Professional Development of Educational Administration of Thailand, 6(1), 170-189. [In Thai]
Tigre, F.B., Curado, C., & Henriques, P.L. (2022). Digital Leadership: A Bibliometric Analysis. Journal of Leadership &Organizational Studies, 30(7), 1-31.
Wang, C., & Cardon, P.W. (2019). The Networked Enterprise and Legitimacy Judgments: Why Digital Platforms Need Leadership. Journal of Business Strategy, 40(6), 33-39.
Zeike, S., Bradbury, K., Lindert, L., & Pfa, H. (2019). Digital Leadership Skills and associations with psychological well-being. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(4), 1-12.
Ziadlou, D. (2021). Strategies During Digital Transformation to Make Progress in Achievement of Sustainable Development by 2030. Leadership in Health Services, 34(4), 375-391.
