Enhancing Interest in Leadership Roles among Chinese Students in a Thai University Context

บทคัดย่อ

The cultivation of leadership interest among Chinese students in Thai universities is crucial for developing future leaders and ensuring the sustainable development of student organizations. This study investigated the complex internal and external factors influencing leadership motivation among this student population. Employing a qualitative case study methodology informed by participatory action research principles, the study conducted in-depth interviews with 14 Chinese MBA students at a Thai university.

The findings revealed that students' willingness to assume leadership positions resulted from a dynamic interplay between motivating and hindering factors: internal drivers such as self-discovery and career investment were counterbalanced by self-doubt and lack of vision, while external motivators including recognition and cultural responsibility contended with academic pressures, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and insufficient institutional support. The study further identified a notable "hierarchy of reluctance" phenomenon, wherein leadership willingness decreased as responsibility levels increased, significantly influenced by cultural norms.

This research concluded that enhancing student leadership interest required systematic resolution of these competing factors rather than mere encouragement. Accordingly, the study proposed comprehensive strategies including: integrating leadership roles into academic credit systems, optimizing administrative processes, establishing robust support mechanisms, and implementing culturally responsive initiatives. These recommendations aimed to collectively foster a supportive environment that effectively stimulated student leadership development.