Management Potential of Community Enterprises in Mae Hong Son Province DOI:

Abstract

          This study aimed to assess the level of management potential and analyze the key factors influencing the management of community enterprises in Mae Hong Son Province. The research focused specifically on food-processing community enterprises, which play a significant role in driving the grassroots economy in the context of a border province characterized by cultural and resource diversity. The target population comprised community enterprises and their networks that were officially registered with the Department of Agricultural Extension. A quantitative research methodology was employed, with a total population of 1,040 community enterprises. The sample size of 289 enterprises was determined using Yamane’s formula (1973) with a margin of error set at 0.05. Simple random sampling was conducted using computer software to select enterprises registered across the seven districts of Mae Hong Son Province. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire with a high level of reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.925) and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis.

          The findings revealed that the overall management potential of community enterprises was rated at the highest level, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of local organizations, particularly in leadership, transparency, and member participation. Statistically significant factors affecting management capacity included member participation, internal management, and leadership, which together accounted for 78.2% of the variance in management potential (R² = 0.782). The study synthesized new knowledge in five critical domains: human capital, social capital, organizational management, market access, and external support. It also proposed strategic recommendations for sustainable management development, including skill enhancement, network integration, and the application of digital technologies to strengthen the competitiveness of community enterprises in modern markets.