KEY ELEMENTS OF SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT: CASE STUDY OF IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT, KHAMMOUANE DISTRICT, LAO PDR

Abstract

This research aimed to study key elements of social enterprise management in irrigation water management in Khammouane Province through the use of constructivism and participatory action research. Moreover, strategies of inquiry and case study were also applied. Its 12 key Informants were selected by the author using purposive sampling method and divided into 3 following groups: 1) government officials and academicians involving the irrigation water management; 2) private business sector in agriculture; and 3) other related person and group of farmers in Khammouane Province. The data were collected through in-depth interviews along with data analysis by means of content and document analysis. The study results showed that the adoption of enterprise management concept according to business principles focusing on sustainable wealth creation for society should have contributory characteristics and elements for efficient irrigation water management, namely, participation in ownership, mutual help in community management, fair sharing, government support, innovation and competitiveness, enhancement of community’s role and strength; clear formulation of common policies, organizational vision, management under business principles focusing on promotion of social stability, collaborative learning, training, constant monitoring for evaluation, enforcement of rules and regulations to control water resource use and profit sharing in doing business to generate income for members. Besides, the relevant agencies needed to focus on and formulate policies for promotion and development of social enterprise in Lao PDR the achievement of both business operations and social impacts. This would pave the way to the sustainable development of economy, society and environment in Lao PDR.