บทบาทผู้นำสตรีท้องถิ่นจังหวัดเชียงใหม่ กรณีศึกษา นางสาววิไล บูรณุปกรณ์

Abstract

This study aimed to study the political and social roles of a woman local leader in Chiang Mai Province, a case study of Miss WilaiBhuranupakorn, to investigate Miss Bhuranupakorn’sproblems in performing her roles as a local leader, and to propose solutions to the problems and develop the political and social roles of a local female leader. This qualitative research employed related theories in developing research instruments and analysis including political leaders, local leaders, and women and development theories. The participant for this case study was Miss Bhuranupakorn who has been a government and political official in Chiang Mai Municipal, a Chiang Mai Woman’s Role Development Fund Chair committee, and a local leader in Chiang Mai Municipal. In addition, the research instruments were an interview and a participant observation. The data was analyzed by descriptive data analysis. The data revealed that MissWilaiBhuranupakorn, a local leader, had relatives in local politics in Chiang Mai which was a factor supporting and providing her with opportunities in politics. In addition, since she was educated in a girl school, Miss Bhuranupakorn was very polite, not aggressive, composed, and compromising. For a higher education, she studied business administration which helped her to be self-confident, decisive, responsible, and honest. She could also integrate her knowledge to work with various political and social organizations and compromise the conflicts within the organizations. Furthermore, she has been a leader who could persuade the locals to participate in community development, especially, as a Chiang Mai Woman’s Role Development Fund Chair committee. However it was found that the weakness, in terms of Miss Bhuranupakorn’s roles as female political and social leader, was her limited political leader experience. In addition, the Chiang Mai Woman’s Role Development Fund was recently established with Miss Bhuranupakorn as the first Chair. Consequently, work related guidelines and directions of the Fund were not clear. Miss Bhuranupakorn could also sometime be slow in making decision which might be a result from being a scrupulouswoman. In terms of communication skills, she was quite reserved, thus, she has not expressed her political views in public much. For solutions to the problems and the development of political and social roles of a local female leader, it could be suggested that Miss Bhuranupakorn should have more direct experience in meeting local people in the local areas to create strong relationships with and trust from the communities which could result in better participation from the locals. She should also acquire additional political and social knowledge in order to increase her work efficiency and improve her limited experience. In addition, she should practice her political communication skills and apply new business ideas in her work in the communities. Furthermore, the government should support female roles in the communities, create a new generation of female leaders, increase opportunities and channels for women to participate in local politics, and encourage the communities to accept woman leaders.