Guidelines for Enhancing the Operational Efficiency of Junior Officers in the Air Force Headquarters

Abstract

The objectives of this research were twofold (1) to examine the level of work performance efficiency among junior officers at the Royal Thai Air Force Headquarters, and (2) to investigate how policy formulation and morale-building factors within the Air Force influence improvements in their work performance. A quantitative research design was applied. The study population consisted of officers at the Air Force Headquarters. A sample of 318 participants was determined using Yamane’s formula and selected through stratified random sampling. The research instrument was a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that junior officers perceived Air Force policies at a high level. Among policy dimensions, supervision and compliance with regulations received the highest ratings, whereas budgetary support was rated at a moderate level. This suggests that clear policies and strong control systems play a critical role in enhancing work efficiency. Regarding morale, the results showed a high level. Career advancement opportunities were rated the highest, followed by welfare benefits, while compensation was perceived at a moderate level. This indicates that opportunities for career growth and support from superiors influence morale more strongly than financial rewards. For work performance efficiency, results indicated a high level. Key aspects included punctuality, accuracy, confidentiality, and cost-effectiveness, reflecting discipline and responsibility among personnel. Hypothesis testing confirmed that both policy and morale have a statistically significant positive relationship with performance efficiency at the 0.01 level. Moreover, the regression model demonstrated that these factors could effectively predict performance efficiency. Both hypotheses proposed in this study were supported.