The Effective Use of Information Technology in Internal Management of Chaiprakarn Subdistrict Municipality, Chaiprakarn District, Chiang Mai Province

Abstract

This study aimed to (1) examine the use of information technology in internal management of Chaiprakarn Subdistrict Municipality, Chiang Mai Province, (2) analyze supporting factors influencing the use of information technology, and (3) propose development approaches and applications of information technology to enhance management efficiency in local administrative organizations. The study employed a mixed-methods design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The research population consisted of 257 individuals, including executives, municipal council members, government officials, and contracted employees of Chaiprakarn Subdistrict Municipality. For the quantitative component, a questionnaire was used as the research instrument, while the qualitative component employed semi-structured in-depth interviews with 15 key informants, including executives, government officials, and technology officers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics—frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation—together with Pearson’s correlation to examine relationships between supporting factors and the use of information technology. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis through categorization, interpretation, and logical synthesis.

The results revealed that (1) the overall use of information technology was at a high level, particularly in data storage and retrieval (=3.94), while policy and personnel skills were rated lower than other aspects, (2) all supporting factors showed a positive correlation with the use of information technology, especially strategic planning (r =.857) and technology policy (r =.774), and (3) the synthesized qualitative findings suggested development approaches such as modernizing infrastructure, enhancing personnel capacity, establishing clear policies and master plans, integrating citizen service systems, and implementing continuous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. The new knowledge generated from this study indicates that the integration of information technology in local administrative organizations will achieve maximum effectiveness when developed holistically covering infrastructure, human resources, and strategic policies. The findings are beneficial both academically and practically, serving as a guideline for developing local administrative organizations toward becoming efficient, transparent, and sustainable digital organizations.