Knowledge Creation and Knowledge Management of the Village and Urban Community Fund: A Case of Ban Thung Klap Noi

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study knowledge creation and knowledge management of the Village and Urban Community Fund in Ban Thung Klap Noi, Phak Than Subdistrict, Bang Rachan District, Sing Buri Province. This was qualitative research. The sampling of this research was purposely selected consisting of the mayor of Phak Than Subdistrict, a committee and members of the VUCM, and officers from the Community Development Department. The number of the key informants was 15. The research’s covered areas were the VUCM office, the Phak Than Subdistrict Administrative Organization, the village, and the Community Development Office. The instruments used for collecting data were semi-structured interview, an in-depth interview, and participatory observation. The findings revealed that the knowledge-building process of the Village and Urban Community Fund was in line with the SECI model. There was a knowledge spiral. Knowledge concerning rules, procedures, and accountancy from external agencies was circulated and discussed among the committees before passing on the obtained knowledge to the members. This study revealed that: 1) Necessary knowledge is management skills and accounting skills. 2) The creation of a shared learning space is crucial because it helps them to understand the problem as well as find a solution for all members. 3) Community financial networks are very important to solve the problem of informal borrowing. 4) Transferring knowledge to the next generations must take place together with careful consideration of their capabilities and honesty.