EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT IN LIFELONG LEARNING AND LIFE SKILLS ENHANCEMENT FOR THE ELDERLY

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) the effectiveness of public management in lifelong learning and life skills enhancement for the elderly, 2) factors influencing public management, and 3) useful suggestions on enhancing the elderly’s capacity. This was qualitative research by selecting two groups of informants including 3.1) the policy makers and planers concerning the elderly, and 3.2) the local executives and the elderly. These key informants consisted of 17 people and 3 groups of elderly living in Bangkok and in Pathum Thani province. The researcher synthesized the data, documents, interviews, and non-participatory observations in order to answer the research questions. The tools used in this research were an interview form and observation. The data were analyzed by deductive reasoning method whereas the inductive reasoning method was used for the field data. The content analysis was used to make a summary from the key informants’ data. The findings revealed that the government administration on lifelong learning for the elderly still lacked effectiveness due to 1) lack of direct policy, 2) lack of interagency coordination, 3) lack of progressive evaluation and clear indicators, 4) negative attitude towards the elderly, and 5) lack of budget dedicated to lifelong learning for the elderly. The factors affecting the government administration included leadership, communication, network and coordination, teamwork, attitude of the staff, policy clarity, and budget. The recommendation on practical approach were as follows: 1) engaging private sector in learning management, 2) encouraging the elderly employment, 3) encouraging the local community to provide learning for the elderly, and 4) enhancing occupational grouping of the elderly.  Regarding the policy recommendations, the government should formulate the policy on lifelong learning with the emphasis on integration and coordination between agencies and continuously assessing performance and adjusting the public administration style using various types in accordance with network management.