The Causal Influence of Government, Private Sector, and Civil Society Collaboration on the Effectiveness of Disaster Management in Response to the COVID-19 Outbreak in Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province

Abstract

This research article aims to (1) examine the factors influencing disaster management in response to the COVID-19 outbreak in Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province, and (2) analyze the causal influence of collaboration among the public sector, private sector, and civil society on the effectiveness of disaster management within this context. A quantitative research methodology was employed. The sample consisted of 186 participants, including government officials, local leaders, village health volunteers (VHVs), and local residents. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.

The findings revealed that overall collaboration factors were rated at the highest level, particularly in compliance with public health measures, which received the highest mean score ( =4.54, S.D.=0.436), followed by communication, campaigns and public relations, and community capacity—indicating strong engagement from all sectors in addressing the crisis. Moreover, the results from multiple regression analysis showed that independent variables could explain 75% of the variance in disaster management effectiveness (R²=0.75, p < 0.05). Statistically significant positive predictors included the strictness of village health volunteers (β=0.65), village heads/subdistrict chiefs (β=0.64), communication and public relations efforts (β=0.35), and government support (β=0.29). Although collaboration from the private sector did not reach statistical significance (β=0.15, p=0.06), it still played a meaningful role in the overall outcome. Interestingly, the strictness of public health officers showed a negative effect on management effectiveness (β=-0.37), possibly reflecting systemic limitations or unintended consequences of overly stringent measures. These findings underscore the importance of fostering proactive collaboration through community-based mechanisms, strong local leadership, and effective communication strategies. The study recommends a critical review and adjustment of the roles of public health authorities to enhance flexibility, build trust, and improve disaster management outcomes in times of crisis.