The Leadership of Local Executives and Financial Management Efficiency in Local Administrative Organizations: A Case Study of Nong Bua Sa-at Subdistrict Municipality, Bua Yai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This research article aims to 1) examine the leadership of local administrators and the efficiency of financial management in local administrative organizations; 2) investigate the factors affecting the leadership of local administrators and the efficiency of financial management in local administrative organizations; and 3) propose guidelines for developing the leadership of local administrators to enhance financial management efficiency This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative research. The sample consisted of 190 personnel from Nong Bua SA-at Subdistrict Municipality, Bua Yai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and 10 key informants, including local administrators, government representatives, and public representatives. The research instruments were questionnaires and interviews. Data were analyzed using mean, standard deviation, multiple regression analysis, and descriptive analysis. The research findings revealed that: 1) the leadership of local administrators and the efficiency of financial management in local administrative organizations were overall at a moderate level, with value for money and efficiency showing higher mean scores than other aspects. 2) The factors affecting financial management efficiency included management, budget planning, internal auditing, and participation, with regression coefficients (b) of .696, .357, .160, and .069, respectively. 3) The findings indicate the necessity of developing leadership alongside improving financial management systems to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and transparency, which are fundamental to sustainable governance of local administrative organizations in accordance with good governance principles.