Current and Desired Leadership Models for Directors of Cooperative Education Offices in Thai Universities

Abstract

The objective of this research was to study current and desired leadership Models for directors of the cooperative education (Co-op) offices in Thai universities. Using a mixed method, the population of this research included 17 higher education institutes where there are Co-op offices. A semi-structured interview and a questionnaire were used to collect data. All information was analyzed by using content analysis and descriptive statistics which are frequency distribution, mean, standard deviation, and Priority Need Index (PNI). The 3 highest mean scores for the desired leadership models for directors of the Co-op offices in Thai universities were (1) facilitator or stimulator, (2) mentor, and (3) broker or mediator. The results from interviewing pointed out that, based on the frequency distribution, the current leadership models for directors of the Co-op offices in Thai universities were monitor and coordinator, whereas the desired ones were Broker or mediator, and innovator.