The Public Needs for an Ideal Leader in Alignment with the Ethical and Moral Principles of Governance: A Case Study of the Chief Executive of Smaphlue Subdistrict Administrative Organization
Abstract:
The objectives of this research were (1) to study the needs of citizens for an ideal leader based on the principles of moral and ethical governance in the case of the Chief Executive of Smaphlue Subdistrict Administrative Organization; (2) to compare the needs of citizens classified by personal factors; and (3) to propose guidelines for the development model of the ideal leader in accordance with the ethical and moral principles of governance. This study employed a quantitative research method with a sample of 345 respondents. The research instrument was a questionnaire, and data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation, t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Scheffés post hoc test.
Findings revealed that most respondents were female, elderly and late middle-aged, with education ranging from upper secondary to bachelors degree, engaged mainly in agriculture and private business, and had long-term settlement in the community. Overall perception of the ethical and moral principles of governance was high, particularly political ethics at the highest level, while understanding of the rule of law was relatively lower. Political participation was at a high level resulting from interest and grid access to information, although direct involvement with the local administration remained limited. The public strongly needed leaders to demonstrate high morality and ethics, effective leadership, adherence to good governance, and strong managerial skills. Personal factors including gender, age, education, income, and daration of residence did not significantly affect expectations, except for occupation. Moreover, higher levels of moral-ethical perception and political participation were associated with greater needs of leadership qualities. The results underscore the importance of fostering morality, ethics, leadership, and good governance at the local level to enhance administrative quality and promote sustainable community development.
Keywords: ideal leader, ethical and moral principles, Smaphlue Subdistrict, chief executive