- Behavioral traits and habitual dispositions of local innovators in fostering innovation within the operational practices of personnel in local administrative organizations, aiming to concretely advance the development of a “Smart Locality” in Maha Sarakha -

Abstract

The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the behavioral traits of local innovators in creating innovations within the work processes of personnel in local administrative organizations (LAOs) in Maha Sarakham Province; (2) to analyze the factors that facilitate or hinder innovation at the local level; and (3) to propose practical guidelines for developing local administrative organizations toward becoming a “Smart Locality.” A mixed-methods approach was employed. The quantitative phase utilized a questionnaire administered to a sample of 400 personnel from LAOs in Maha Sarakham Province. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with 15 key local innovators. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative data were examined through inductive content analysis.The findings revealed that the most influential behavioral traits of local innovators in fostering innovation were creativity, adaptability, initiative, and assertiveness. Facilitating factors included organizational leadership support, an open organizational culture, and innovation-based incentive systems. Conversely, constraints were identified as centralized bureaucratic structures and insufficient budget allocation. Policy recommendations emphasized promoting the role of local innovators through competency-based development and establishing internal support systems to sustainably drive the transformation toward a “Smart Locality.”