Work Socialization Process of the Executives of Local Administrative Organizations before Their Assumption of Political Positions

Abstract

This qualitative research aimed to understand the work socialization process of the executives of local administrative organizations recognized for excellence in good governance before the executives took the positions. The results showed that work socialization can be separated into 2 subphases which are initial socialization and socialization in advance. In the first subphase, the key contributors were families and educational institutions, and the important results were the development of basic moral principles, the awareness and understanding of roles and responsibilities of local politicians, fundamental knowledge and skills required for higher education, leadership, and collaboration skills. In the second subphase, the key contributors were higher education institutions and former occupations, and the important results were knowledge and skills acquired from studying in the courses of social work, sociology, and anthropology, the development of public consciousness, leadership, teamwork and collaboration skills, and work experience which can be applied to the current positions. This research suggests that educational institutions at all levels should provide courses that cultivate citizenship behavior and good governance by organizing learning activities that allow learners to practice 12 Thai values, civic duties, and good governance.