Network Management: A Case of Elderly Care in Warin Chamrap Municipality and Namyuen Municipality, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

Network-based approach in public service management is different from the approach of public service by bureaucratic system because the former relies on the nature and structure of actors within the network. Therefore, developing public services that provide network-based service requires case-by-case studies. This study chooses to look at the network management of elderly care in Ubon Ratchathani province; it specifically studies the management in Warin Chamrap and Nam Yuen Municipality. This is a case study based on districts’ urban and rural areas where actors in the networks are different in nature.

From document surveys, interviews with relevant actors, and focus groups, the study found that the actors in elderly care networks came from both state sector, whether central, regional, and local administration agencies, and civil society sector who effectively promote and fulfill the working structure and system of the state. However, considering overall management, it is still top-down management because this service requires specific knowledge.