Transformational Leadership, Followership and Management Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Local Government Organizations in Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) examine transformational leadership, followership, management, and organizational efficiency in local government organizations (LGOs) of Chiang Mai Province; 2) analyze the influence of these factors on organizational efficiency; and 3) propose development guidelines for enhancing organizational performance. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The quantitative approach involved a sample of 100 LGOs selected through Yamane’s formula, with data collected from 400 respondents comprising executives and staff members using a questionnaire. The instrument was validated for content validity (IOC) and demonstrated high reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha=.960). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The qualitative approach involved in-depth interviews with 9 key informants, and the data were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that: 1) transformational leadership and management were rated at the highest level overall, while followership was at a moderate level; organizational efficiency was also rated at the highest level, with governance emerging as the strongest dimension. 2) The multiple regression analysis indicated that management had the most significant influence on organizational efficiency (β=0.716, p < .001), followed by transformational leadership (β=0.159, p < .05). Followership, although not statistically significant, played a supportive structural role. 3) The qualitative analysis suggested five development guidelines for enhancing the efficiency of LGOs: (1) strengthening governance and organizational transparency,
(2) enhancing personnel capacity through continuous development, (3) promoting effective, flexible, and participatory management, (4) applying technology to improve services and management efficiency, and (5) encouraging citizen participation in all stages of development. The results indicate that enhancing the efficiency of LGOs requires an integrated approach across transformational leadership, followership, and organizational management. Governance serves as the fundamental foundation, personnel and technology act as driving forces supporting organizational management, and citizen participation functions as a monitoring mechanism, together fostering transparency, credibility, and sustainability in local government development.