Desired Characteristics of Graduates Majoring in Public Administration at the Faculty of Political Science and Law, Kalasin Rajabhat University, as Needed by Public and Private Sector Organizations

Abstract

The objectives of this research were 1) to study the desired characteristics of graduates majoring in Public Administration as needed by public and private sector organizations, 2) to propose guidelines for developing the desired characteristics of graduates majoring in Public Administration at the Faculty of Political Science and Law, Kalasin Rajabhat University, and 3) to apply the guidelines in developing the Public Administration curriculum, the Faculty of Political Science and Law, Kalasin Rajabhat University. The research participants were chairpersons obtained from 291 out of 1,085 organizations including public organizations, private organizations, state enterprises, independent organizations, associations, and clubs in Kalasin province. Statistics used in data analysis were frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

            The results of this research revealed as follows:

1. With regards to the desired characteristics of graduates majoring in Public Administration as needed by public and private sector organizations, it was found that the expectation on the desired characteristics of graduates majoring in Public Administration was at the high level (= 3.95). When considering each section of characteristics, it was found that most sections were at the high level. Those sections whose averages were sorted from the highest to the lowest included the general knowledge section (= 4.34), the specific knowledge/professional skill section (= 3.87), the interpersonal relationship skill and responsibility section (= 3.87), and the behavior and personality section (= 3.61).

                 The morality and ethics section was at the high level (= 3.61). When considering each issue, it was found that most issues were at the highest level. Those issues whose averages were sorted from the highest to the lowest included “the students should be punctual” and “the students should maintain a public mind, honesty, discipline, and responsibility”. The issues whose averages were at the high level included “the students should sacrifice for public benefit and possess generosity” and “the students should be meek”. 

                 The general knowledge section was at the high level (= 4.34). When considering each issue, it was found that most issues were at the highest level. Those issues whose averages were sorted from the highest to the lowest included “the students should be able to work thoroughly”, “the students should possess knowledge and abilities in the area of study”, “the students should possess academic knowledge used for work”, “the students should be able to apply their knowledge in carrying out their assigned jobs”, and “the students should be able to make a work plan and an action plan systematically”.

                 The specific knowledge (professional skill) section was at the high level (= 3.87). When considering each issue, it was found that most issues were at the high level. Those issues whose averages were sorted from the highest to the lowest included “the students should possess knowledge about research and being a professional administrator” and “the students should understand the current situation of work and should be able to analyze behavior of colleagues”.

1. Regarding guidelines for developing the desired characteristics of graduates majoring in Public Administration at the Faculty of Political Science and Law, Kalasin Rajabhat University, it was found that the guidelines for developing the desired characteristics of graduates were at the high level (= 4.42). The language skill development for communication towards the AEC (ASEAN Economic Community) should be promoted. The graduates should be fluent in numeric use and in explanation of data analysis results. They should possess skills for teamwork, develop abilities in preserving resources and environment (reducing Global Warming), and be able to work without violating others’ rights as well as take responsibility from the results of their work. The graduates should also develop the excellence service behavior (ESB) and be able to follow the determined steps of work until the work is completed.


2. Regarding the application of the guidelines in developing the Public Administration curriculum, the Faculty of Political Science and Law, Kalasin Rajabhat University, it was found that the essential skills of computer program operation for students’ future jobs, data retrieval, and communication should be added to the curriculum, and the abilities to apply knowledge pertaining to business administration in work should be also added (= 3.98). A curriculum for first line administrators with abilities to preserve public properties should be developed (= 4.38). And the curriculum should be developed in terms of the excellence service behavior.