ENHANCING MORALITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF NAKHA SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION, MUEANG UDON THANI DISTRICT, UDON THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to examine 1) the situation of promoting morality and transparency in administration and 2) personnel’s opinions on factors affecting morality and transparency in administration, in the case of Na Kha Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data were collected through document analysus, questionnaires, in-depth interviews with key informants, and observation.

The findings indicated that the situation of promoting morality and transparency within the administration of Na Kha Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani Province could be categorized into key dimensions, as follows: 1) in terms of leadership, administrators adhere to the ethical  principles of morality and transparency by driving the No Gift Policy, providing channels for public opinions, promoting an open and accountable organizational culture, conducting ethics training, and maintaining regular communication with the public. This contributed to a high ITA score of 95-84 in the 2024 ITA assessment. 2) In terms of motivation, ethics training and reward systems were used to encourage personnel, alongside performance evaluations linked to salary increases, and promote cooperation and positive competition to create a good working atmosphere. 3) In terms of communication and interaction, the organization developed internal and external communication networks, clearly separated target groups, and regularly reviewed content to ensure communication effectiveness, transparency and accessibility 4) In terms of goal setting and work control, performance evaluations were conducted twice a year, supported by an MOU system between supervisors and subordinates, along with project monitoring committee, with standardized performance indicators. 5) In terms of work standards and training, policies and budget support were in place, focusing on developing personnel with strong ethical awareness, legal knowledge, and practical skills with annual performance indicators established. The analysis of opinions on factors affecting ethics and transparency in management revealed that overall perceptions were at a high level. Motivation and work standards were ranked highest, followed by communication and interaction, while leadership was ranked lowest. It is recommended that agencies should increase shared channels for information access, as existing channels are divided across different departments, highlighting the need for a unified platform where information can be accessed centrally.