PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND YOUTH UNIONS: AN ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS ASSESSMENT IN LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/tmsr.2025.5Keywords:
Organizational Management, Professional Capacity Building, Youth Development, Youth Union, LaosAbstract
This study assesses the organizational effectiveness of professional development programs for youth union members in Luang Prabang Province, Laos, who play a pivotal role in local governance and community development. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research involved surveys with 120 youth members and 50 management staff, complemented by semi-structured interviews and document analysis, to evaluate program implementation and identify strengths and limitations. Findings indicate that while the programs enhance participants' knowledge and professional competencies, their overall effectiveness is hindered by several organizational challenges. These include insufficient alignment between program objectives and participant needs, limited infrastructure and resources, inadequate policy incentives, and gaps in monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Notably, management staff demonstrated a higher awareness of program objectives than youth members, revealing a significant perceptual gap. The study recommends strengthening organizational structures, optimizing resource allocation, improving monitoring and evaluation practices, and developing targeted policies to enhance youth participation. This research offers evidence-based guidance for policymakers, youth organizations, and development agencies to optimize professional development initiatives and foster sustainable capacity-building in the region.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Soyfa SISAATH, Anh Ngoc MAI, Bounmy KEOHAVONG
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