The Model of Knowledge Management for Strengthening the Community in Maelarn District, Pattani Province

Abstract

This qualitative study aims to 1) explore the knowledge management context and 2) develop a model of knowledge management for strengthening the community.  Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions, and in public venues.

            The study results revealed that the knowledge management context based on the social aspect of the Maelarn community had a good relationship with the religions practiced. Based on the cultural aspect, there was two religion lifestyles namely Islam and Buddhist. Concerning the political aspect, the relative system was used for carrying out political activities.  For the economy, the community engaged in agriculture as a matchbox with community occupation groups and career group forming. In the health context, the community mostly used public infirmary services while few used alternative medicines services. Knowledge exchange was done through direct communication, which was the typical lifestyle of people in the community.  However, it was found that people in the community did not use information systems for keeping knowledge.

This study also found that the community should have a vision of appropriate knowledge management to strengthen the community. The knowledge management could be in the form of relationship management under the multi-cultural society context, elevating a level of knowledge exchange for a better understanding and acceptance to one another and viewing the target of community development in the same direction. Moreover, knowledge management should be practiced in the Pattani Community College to prepare an information system and develop a body of knowledge leading to local curricular programs, which can be transferred to the junior degree or higher education level.