Leadership of Local Executives in Managing the Epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Phra Luang Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province

Abstract

The purposes of this research article were 1) to study the leadership level of local executives in managing the epidemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 in Phra Luang Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province; 2) to study the relationship between Sappurisadhamma 7 and the leadership of local executives; and 3) to study problems, obstacles, and suggestions for leadership approaches of local executives in managing the epidemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 in Phra Luang Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province. This was a mixed methods research. Quantitative research was conducted by distributing questionnaires to a sample of 357 people. Qualitative research used in-depth interviews with 9 informants. The results of the research found that 1) the leadership level of local executives in managing the epidemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 in Phra Luang Subdistrict, Sung Men District, Phrae Province, in all 4 areas, overall was at a high level (= 3.60, S.D. = 0.47) 2). For the relationship between Sappurisadhamma and the leadership of local executives,  overall, there was a very high positive relationship (r = .934**); and 3) problems and obstacles were found that 3.1) Phra Luang Subdistrict still lacked personnel with knowledge about the Coronavirus disease to educate the people; 3.2) village headmen and subdistrict headmen still lacked knowledge and understanding about the Coronavirus disease. As a result, work was still not as good as it should be; 3.3) people were confused about the rules, and regulations that the village headmen and subdistrict headmen have announced to be followed within the community; 3.4) people did not cooperate when holding meetings as they should. Suggestions were found that (1) officials must be sent to receive regular training; (2) village headmen and subdistrict headmen must be more clear about the rules, and regulations that people must follow; (3) village headman and subdistrict headman must hold various meetings during time that was convenient for the people so that people had more opportunities to participate.