Abstract:
This study investigated factors affecting eight occupational group’s
strength under the conceptual framework of input-output among the three factors of
input, process and output/services of the group. The study applied qualitative
research to eight reproduction groups within agriculture, clothing and dressing. Key
informants were leaders, committee members and group members who spoke in
relation to their general conditions, factors, and structures including the economic,
social and cultural contexts. The research aimed to interpret important lessons of the
three factors, leading to knowledge in developing strength or self-reliance.
It was found that a group’s strength and foundation varied greatly in each
factor. The input of leader’s and members’ qualifications, the resources used, the
social capital and the community intellectual, the government policy or the external
assistance, and the self-reliance economy had different processes either through
learning, social interaction, or management. All three processes played important
roles in the group interrelations with the external groups, which affected their
outputs and services. The three factors strongly adhered to each other with regards to
the group’s strength and there were differences among the foundation method of
each group, with statistical significance.
Analysis by overview of key conditions of the occupational groups
indicated whether and how were they strong or not. Results indicate, how they
should acquire the processes of learning, social development and management in
order to develop their own potential, strong relations to the other groups, help solve
problems and create the lasting development.