Knowledge and Understanding as Predictors of SDG Integration: A Public Administration Perspective on Policy Implementation in Private Higher Education Institutions in Bangkok
Keywords:
Sustainable Development Goals, Public Administration, Human Capital, Knowledge, Understanding, Policy ImplementationAbstract
This study examines the role of cognitive factors in supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation within higher education institutions from a public administration perspective. Specifically, it aims to: (1) assess the levels of knowledge, understanding, and SDG integration among educational personnel in private higher education institutions in Bangkok; (2) compare these variables across demographic characteristics; and (3) analyze the predictive effects of knowledge and understanding on SDG integration in professional practice.
A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire developed based on the Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) framework. The instrument consisted of four sections: demographic information; SDG knowledge (25 items); SDG understanding (10 Likert-scale items); and SDG integration (15 Likert-scale items). Data were collected from 600 educational personnel across selected private institutions in Bangkok using a multi-stage and convenience sampling approach. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, and multiple regression analysis.
The findings indicate that SDG knowledge and understanding were at high levels, while SDG integration in professional practice was at a moderate-to-high level. No statistically significant differences were found across demographic groups. Multiple regression results reveal that knowledge and understanding have significant positive predictive effects on SDG integration, jointly explaining 28.1% of the variance.
These findings suggest that cognitive competencies play a critical role in enhancing institutional capacity for SDG implementation. The study contributes to public administration literature by highlighting the importance of human capital development in bridging the gap between policy awareness and practical integration of sustainability agendas in organizational contexts.
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ลิขสิทธิ์ต้นฉบับที่ได้รับการตีพิมพ์ในวารสารกฎหมายและการเมืองการปกครอง มหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิต ห้ามผู้ใดนำข้อความทั้งหมดหรือบางส่วนไปพิมพ์ซ้ำ เว้นแต่จะได้รับอนุญาตอย่างเป็นลายลักษณ์อักษรจากโรงเรียนกฎหมายและการเมือง มหาวิทยาลัยสวนดุสิต นอกจากนี้ เนื้อหาที่ปรากฎในบทความเป็นความรับผิดชอบของผู้เขียน ทั้งนี้ไม่รวมความผิดพลาดอันเกิดจากเทคนิคการพิมพ์
