Journal of Public Administration, Public Affairs, and Management

Cross-sectoral Collaboration for Flood Management in Nong Khai, Thailand

Phatthanan Taladsub, Natthayanee Chantaplaboon — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This article aimed to theoretically diagnose institutional bottlenecks and develop an Integrated Flood Collaborative Management Framework for Nong Khai Province, utilizing the Collaborative Governance Regime (CGR) lens. The study focused on the 2024 flood event, which shared characteristics with historical floods in 2008 and 2011 but was intensified by operational dynamics of transboundary water infrastructure in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). A qualitative research design was applied, combining systematic literature review, documentary analysis, focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with 26 key informants from government agencies, the private sector, and civil society. Content analysis was used to synthesize findings and identify gaps in existing disaster management systems. The results indicated that while national frameworks like the Thai government’s 20-Year National Strategy (2018–2037) emphasize sustainable development, a critical gap remains in the operationalization of these strategies at the local level. The analysis of the 2024 response revealed specific coordination failures between state and non-state actors, resulting in insufficient shelter provision and inadequate support for vulnerable groups. Consequently, the study proposes an integrated framework that proposes concrete governance mechanisms to institutionalize collaboration, addressing the specific challenges of cross-sectoral coordination to support resilient flood management in high-risk border areas.

Implementation of PRIME-HRM in Promoting Meritocracy and Excellence in HRM Practices in Select Public Sector Organizations

Roland Fronda — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This qualitative study explores the exemplary approaches and organizational intricacies of public sector organizations implementing the Program to Institutionalize Meritocracy and Excellence in Human Resource (PRIME-HRM). Given the scarcity of research on PRIME-HRM implementation across different levels of government, this study evaluates the challenges encountered by HRM champions representing a National Government Agency (NGA), a Local Government Unit (LGU), and a Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation (GOCC). Using a multiple-case analysis design, the researcher interviewed twelve participants from DepEd Balanga City, the Balanga City Local Government Unit, and the Balanga City Water District—all of which have attained Maturity Level 2 (Bronze Recognition) under the Philippine Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) standards. The findings revealed several emerging themes, specifically regarding implementation challenges, increased employee satisfaction, improved engagement, and strengthened retention strategies. By documenting the best practices of these "champion" implementers, the research identifies critical areas for improvement and strategic success. Furthermore, this study advances the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Theory by demonstrating how public sector resources, such as servant leadership and transparency, effectively buffer bureaucratic stress to foster employee commitment. Ultimately, these results provide a foundation for evidence-based policy, advocating for flexible work arrangements and professional development as essential tools for maintaining a stable, high-performing civil service workforce.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance as a driver of financial outcomes: empirical evidence from Thailand

Suthat Wongsakulchai, Arnat Leemakdej — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on financial outcomes using data from firms listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET). The sample comprises 287 firms over the period 2015–2024, totaling 1,179 observations. Employing a quantitative research design, the analysis is conducted using multiple linear regression. Grounded in stakeholder theory, the findings indicate that ESG performance is positively and statistically significantly associated with financial outcomes at the 1%, 5%, and 10% levels. The study offers policy implications highlighting the importance of strengthening ESG regulatory frameworks, standardizing disclosure practices, and implementing incentive mechanisms to support ESG integration in governance. Specific recommendations include promoting green innovation and anti-greenwashing enforcement, enhancing social responsibility through labor and community initiatives, and reinforcing governance via robust internal controls, board independence, and performance-based executive oversight. These insights contribute to ESG-related policy and governance discussions in emerging markets, particularly Thailand.

Development of a Collaborative Governance Model in Local Governments for Environmental Innovation in Public Service

Thanachai Samol, Jitsuda limkriengkrai — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study develops a collaborative governance model for environmental public service innovation in Thai Local Administrative Organisations (LAOs), contextualising Collaborative Governance Regimes (CGR) within a developing-nation framework characterised by institutional fragility and fiscal constraints. Employing a qualitative multiple case study design, the research conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 37 key informants across three award-winning LAOs: Rang Chorakhe SAO, Na Phan Sam SAO, and Kong Thanu SAO. Data were analysed using thematic analysis six-phase framework. Findings reveal that effective environmental governance operates as an iterative cycle of learning and institutional adaptation across four stages: policy formulation, innovation implementation, analysis and evaluation, and continuous adaptation. Critical success factors encompass facilitative leadership, social capital mobilisation, and multidimensional incentive design. Governance outcomes include national budget savings exceeding 51 million THB and certified reductions of 289,497 tonnes of CO₂e emissions. The study contributes an empirically grounded collaborative governance model applicable to developing-nation local governance contexts, with practical and policy recommendations for scaling environmental innovation through inter-local partnerships.

Gender-Responsiveness Humanitarianism in Conflict Settings: Analyzing the Role of Non-state Actors in North-east Nigeria

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The aim of the study paper is to examine the implementation of gender-responsive humanitarianism by non-state actors (NSAs) in the context of the protracted conflict in North-east Nigeria. It’s against the backdrop of severe gendered impacts, including the strategic use of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and the reconfiguration of gender roles, the research addresses the critical gap between policy commitments to gender equality and their practical application in the humanitarian response. While a diverse ecosystem of NSAs including International NGOs (INGOs), Nigerian National NGOs (NNGOs), and Local Women-Led Organizations (LWLOs) forms the backbone of service delivery, significant questions remain regarding how these actors interpret and integrate gender-sensitive approaches. The study adopt qualitative case study design and guided by a Feminist Political Economy theoretical framework, this research investigates how these different NSAs interpret, operationalize, and influence gender-responsive humanitarianism on the ground. The findings reveal a stark divergence in approaches: INGOs adopt a technical, policy-driven model; NNGOs prioritize a relational, context-embedded approach; and LWLOs advocate for a holistic model of empowerment. The study concludes that without addressing these structural power imbalances, the potential of the localization agenda to advance gender equality remains unrealized. It recommends direct funding and meaningful inclusion for LWLOs, a shift from sub-contracting to equitable partnerships for INGOs, and strengthened government accountability mechanisms to ensure humanitarian action is both genuinely gender-responsive and sustainably locally owned.

Smart City Implementation in a Tourist Island: Assessing Success Determinants in Koh Samui , Thailand

Ubonwan Bunkaew, Dhiyathad Prateeppornnarong — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study examines policy tools in Koh Samui Municipality and the drivers of smart city development, aiming to assess policy implementation effectiveness and analyze relationships between key factors and outcomes. A quantitative approach was employed, involving a census of 218 personnel responsible for implementing the smart city plan. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and multiple regression analysis. The results indicate that both influencing factors and implementation success were at a moderate level. Government support and local government capacity were particularly important, while citizens appeared to receive more tangible benefits than the achievement of policy goals. Regression analysis showed that all four independent variables significantly influenced implementation success at the 0.05 level. Local government capacity had the strongest effect, followed by government support and cross-sector collaboration. In contrast, policy goals and objectives showed a significant negative relationship with implementation success, indicating misalignment between policy design and local capacity.

Single-Use Plastic Restrictions: A Mixed-Methods Policy Review of Structural Compliance and Affordability Barriers

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This mixed-methods policy review evaluates the implementation of the Single-Use Plastic (SUP) ban in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Philippines, using an exploratory sequential design. Grounded in structural functionalism and the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study examines the synergy between institutional mechanisms and individual behavioral intentions. Qualitative findings indicate strong community recognition of the ban’s effectiveness in mitigating floods, reducing environmental hazards, and improving waste management, leading to high pro-environmental compliance. Quantitative analysis supports this, with high mean scores for relevance (4.86), coherence (4.72), and impact (4.58). However, a lower sustainability score (4.07) indicates critical barriers, specifically the affordability and availability of alternative options for low-income vendors. While the policy is locally successful, long-term viability requires enhanced monitoring, targeted community education, and institutional support. These results offer empirical guidance for local plastic reduction strategies and broader waste management policy formulation.

The Silent Reformer: Sardar Patel’s Commitment to Social Equity and Inclusive Administration in India

Rajesh Kumar Karna, Deepak Kumar Swain — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the chief architect of India’s national integration and the first Home Minister of independent India, is often remembered with respect as the “iron man of India”. He was a determined freedom fighter, front-line leader, skilled organizer and administrator throughout his entire life. As a statesman and reformer, Patel strongly believed in social justice and inclusive governance, demonstrating his principles and values through practical actions. He stood firmly with the farmers' movement during the Bardoli Satyagraha and supported farmers’ rights with a transparent and service-oriented bureaucratic government. His leadership envisioned a balanced champion of both administrative efficiency and farmer rights with a deep concern to serve the downtrodden. The work revisits Patel's contributions in shaping a modern and inclusive India, focusing on a vision to establish an institutionalized governance structure that ensures accountability, transparency and fair treatment to everyone irrespective of the differences. It also examines the connectedness of Patel’s vision, leadership style and administrative principles even today in promoting justice, liberty, harmony and inclusive development of all.

Investing in Prevention Before Treatment: A Systematic Literature Review of Determinants of Public Expenditure on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, with Implications for Thailand

Chatcharin Thongmomram, Montree Socatiyanurak — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Despite compelling evidence that prevention is more cost-effective than treatment, most countries systematically underinvest in health promotion and disease prevention relative to curative care—a pattern commonly termed the “prevention paradox.” This systematic literature review synthesizes international evidence on the determinants of public expenditure for health promotion and disease prevention. Following PRISMA 2020 guidance, structured searches of five databases (2002–2023) yielded 23 eligible studies, which were appraised against transparent, design-sensitive quality criteria and integrated through narrative synthesis across five determinant categories: socioeconomic and demographic; political–institutional; organizational decision-making; health-system resources; and decentralization. Gross domestic product per capita emerged as the strongest single determinant, consistent with Wagner’s Law, yet political factors—particularly democratic institutions and governance quality—proved comparably important for allocative efficiency, while path dependency and incremental budgeting substantially constrained reallocation toward prevention. The evidence further indicates that economic capacity translates into preventive investment chiefly when mediated by governance quality, and that decentralization’s effects are conditional on institutional capacity. Synthesizing these patterns, we advance a simplified multi-level framework linking macro-, meso-, and micro-level determinants. For Thailand—a middle-income country transitioning to a super-aged society while non-communicable diseases consume a growing share of its health budget—raising preventive investment will require coordinated action: macro-level fiscal alignment, meso-level governance strengthening, and micro-level budget-process reform, including carefully phased zero-based budgeting that accounts for entrenched incremental practices. Future research should employ longitudinal, context-sensitive designs within developing economies.

Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Trust, and Perceived Organizational Support among Cross-Sector Executives: Evidence from Thailand

Ntapat Worapongpat — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700

In increasingly complex organizational environments in Thailand, executives working across public, private, and civil society sectors face substantial emotional and relational demands that influence their perceptions of organizational support. Drawing on Social Exchange Theory (SET), this study examines how emotional intelligence (EI) contributes to perceived organizational support (POS) through relational exchange processes. Specifically, it investigates the mediating role of interpersonal trust in explaining the relationship between emotional intelligence and perceived organizational support among executives operating in diverse organizational settings. Using a quantitative cross-sectional research design, data were collected from executives representing multiple sectors in Thailand and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and perceived organizational support. Interpersonal trust was found to be a strong and statistically significant mediator, indicating that emotionally intelligent executives are more capable of developing trust-based relationships, which subsequently enhance perceptions of organizational support. Furthermore, demographic variables, including age, gender, and professional experience, did not significantly affect perceived organizational support.This study extends Social Exchange Theory by empirically demonstrating the relational mechanism through which emotional intelligence generates organizational outcomes. By identifying interpersonal trust as a key mediating process, the study contributes to the literature on emotional intelligence, interpersonal trust, perceived organizational support, and leadership in multi-sector organizational contexts. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of fostering emotionally intelligent and trust-oriented leadership to strengthen organizational support, improve collaborative relationships, and enhance organizational resilience in complex institutional environments.