LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES AND CULTURAL COMPETENCIES AMONG THAI AND CAMBODIA NURSES WORKING ALONG BORDER OF THAILAND AND CAMBODIA: OPINIONS OF THAI AND CAMBODIA NURSES

Abstract

Introduction: Health problems affecting health systems along Thailand – Cambodia border consist of emerging disease, reemerging disease, and communicable diseases. Effective management of those health problems by nursing administrators through a strong Thailand- Cambodia cooperation is an effective method to deal with those health problems. It is essential to explore leadership and management competencies and cultural competencies among Thai and Cambodia nurses. The results will help develop a program enhancing leadership and management competencies and cultural competencies among those nurses in order to make change on the health situation for the nation, boarder, and worldwide.

Objectives: the objectives of research were to 1) explore leadership and management competencies among Thai and Cambodia nurses; 2) investigate cultural competencies among Thai and Cambodia nurses; 3) compare mean score of leadership and management competencies between Thai and Cambodia nurses; and 4) compare mean scores of cultural competencies between Thai and Cambodia nurses.

Methods: The cross-sectional research was used. Samples consisted of 53 nurses including 16 Thai nurses and 37 Cambodia nurses working along Thai-Cambodian border. Data were collected using a self-constructed questionnaire on leadership and management competencies and a cultural competencies questionnaire. The tool consisted of 34- items on a rating scale. Validity was tested by 3 experts. Reliability was .78. A cultural competencies questionnaire consisted of 12- items on a rating scale questionnaire. It was also validated by 3 experts. Reliability was .82. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, and Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: The results revealed that a total mean score of leadership and management competencies was in a moderate level; X 105, SD 23.32. Mean score of leadership and management competencies for Thai nurses was in a moderate level; X 110, SD 20.32. Mean score of leadership and management competencies for Cambodia nurses was in a moderate level; X 100, SD 22.62. The total mean score of cultural competencies was in a moderate level; X 32, SD 5. Mean score of cultural competencies for Thai nurses was in a moderate level; X 34, SD 4.31. Mean score of cultural competencies for Cambodia nurses was in a moderate level; X 31, SD 4.5. However, leadership and management competencies between Thai and Cambodia nurses were not significantly different. Furthermore, cultural competencies between Thai and Cambodia nurses were not significantly different.

Conclusion: Mean score of leadership and management competencies were in a moderate level on both Thai and Cambodia nurses. Mean score of cultural competencies for Thai nurses and Cambodia nurses were also in a moderate level. In order to improve their leadership and management competencies and cultural competencies, it is needed to develop program enhancing these their leadership and management competencies and cultural competencies. It will help nurses working along border Thai - Cambodia dealing with health problems along border Thai – Cambodia.