Human resource development (HRD) theory and Thailand's sufficiency economy concept and its "OTOP" program

• Main Authors: Curry Jr. R.L., Sura K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Online Access: http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-35649013745&partnerID=40&md5=cd16b6d9bf03b9d2cd00adea94fb1a25; http://cmuir.cmu.ac.th/handle/6653943832/938
• Institution: Chiang Mai University

The development of human resource development (HRD) theory beginning with the works of Schultz and extending to the important contributions of scholars is outlined. Also included is the evaluation whether the core contents of the sufficiency economy concept are consistent with the thematic element of what the Commission contributed to HRD theory. Most importantly, Thailand's One Tambon One Product (OTOP) program is also analyzed in order to determine whether its design and implementation are consistent with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) approach and to evaluate whether Thailand's experience offers a guide to other countries' development strategy. Despite OTOP's limitations, the program can be useful in two ways. The first is that when certain conditions exist it can assist a substantial number of Thai citizens to improve the means and the ends of their material lives by integrating private market activities with external public support. In cases where they do not exist, OTOP can be a part of a more widely integrated approach that includes other government programs that make available resources, technical assistance and financial help to small to medium sized village enterprises. Secondly, the program can provide suggestions about how to integrate private market activities with public policies and programs when a country's HRD-based national development program is in line with what the UNESCAP has added to HRD theory.