Antecedent Variables Influencing the Effectiveness of the Management of the Employee Welfare Fund in Bangkok Metropolitan Region in the COVID-19

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to: 1) study the level and the results of the management of the Employee welfare fund in Bangkok and its vicinity COVID-19 era; 2) study the performance of labor inspectors, government policy, fund source, and the work system that have a causal factor on the effectiveness of the management of the Employee Welfare Fund; and 3) study the model of the Employee Welfare Fund management. This research employed a mixed research methodology, combing quantitative and qualitative research methods. In the quantitative research method, stratified random sampling was employed in this study. The sample consisted of 400 private-sector workers in Bangkok metropolitan areas. The sample size was determined based on the criterion of 20 times of the observed variables. A structural equation model was used to analyze the data after the questionnaires were distributed. For the qualitative research method, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 key informants, and content analysis was used for the qualitative data. The results of the research showed that: 1) the management of the Employee Welfare Fund, the labor inspector performance, government policy, fund source, and work system were all rated at the highest level; 2) the work systems have the overall greatest casual influence on the effectiveness of the management of the Employee Welfare Fund, followed by fund source, government policy and the performance of labor inspectors, respectively; the work systems have the overall direct effect. Followed by government policy, fund source and performance of labor inspectors respectively. and 3) established a model for the and 3) established a model for the management of the Employee Welfare Fund’s management efficacy. The model was a visual chart that displayed the work system, which was the main impact component as the pushing foundation. The source of funds and a government policy were in the middle. The performance of the labor inspector as a promoting factor was at the top-level. In addition, the Employee Welfare Fund management should be effective in terms of rapid services, data accuracy, transparency, auditability, and supervision control. The findings of this research are beneficial to labor in private businesses. They will be protected by the government on welfare and not exploited by their employers. The government sectors can be utilized to improve the Employee Welfare Fund’s management. It is the motivation for the workers in the production of goods and services that is to ensure sustainable prosperity and a positive impact on the country's economy.