CAPACITY MANAGEMENT AND ENHANCING THE POTENTIAL OF LAO WIANG ETHNIC CULTURAL ENTREPRENEURS TO ENHANCE THE LOCAL ECONOMY

Abstract

This study aimed to examine important aspects of the competencies and potential of Lao Wiang ethnic cultural entrepreneurs, develop strategies to enhance their competencies and potential in line with the grassroots economy, and assess changes following capacity development. A mixed methods approach was conducted in three phases: quantitative research, participatory action research, and an assessment of economic impacts. Phase 1 involved 36 participants, while Phases 2 and 3 involved 19 participants and 13 key informants selected purposively. Data were collected using questionnaires and focus group discussion guides. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and paired samples t-tests. The findings showed that 1) Management skills, entrepreneurial skills, and technical skills were rated as highly important, while organizational management, marketing, and accounting and finance were rated from high to highest in importance; 2) The strategies developed through participation covered contextual analysis, planning, implementation, monitoring, and reflection. Cloth bags and khanom kon kratha were used as prototype products, leading to product development and expanded marketing channels; and 3) Mean scores for income and business performance, business operations, entrepreneurial potential, and the grassroots economy were higher after capacity development than before it. Paired comparisons showed statistically significant differences in all four domains (p < .001). The findings suggest that developing entrepreneurial competencies, culturally distinctive products, and marketing channels through participatory processes is an important mechanism for strengthening entrepreneurs and the community’s grassroots economy.