Guidelines for Developing Leadership for the Success of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Executives in the Manufacturing Sector in Thailand

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to 1) identify the success factors of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector in Thailand; 2) study the leadership of executives; 3) examine the impact of executive leadership on success factors; and 4) propose guidelines for developing leadership to achieve organizational success for executives of SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Thailand. This study employs a quantitative research approach, collecting data through questionnaires from a sample of 382 SME executives. The sampling method used is multi-stage sampling, with simple random sampling to select the sample group. The statistical methods for data analysis include mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis (MRA).

The research findings indicate that 1) the overall success factors of SMEs in the manufacturing sector are at a moderate level, and 2) the leadership of executives in SMEs within the manufacturing sector is also at a moderate level overall. 3) The aspects of executive leadership that influence the success of SMEs include strategy, assessment of business opportunities, flexibility, adaptability to new ideas, intellectual stimulation, and trust, in that order; and 4) there are four proposed guidelines for developing leadership for executives of SMEs: Guideline 1 focuses on developing analytical, planning, and decision-making skills in various situations; Guideline 2 emphasizes practical human resource management skills; Guideline 3 highlights the importance of operational effectiveness and efficiency; and Guideline 4 aims at developing leadership to lead the organization towards sustainable success.