The Effects of Decentralized Organizational Structure and an Ethical Work Climate on the Work Engagement of Local Public Officials in Thailand

In Thailand, an increase in urbanization, economic downturn, and greater demands of the populace have made it difficult to maintain the work engagement of local public officials. By studying 635 employees working in municipal governments in all four major regions of Thailand, this study indicates that decentralized decision-making structure and ethical climates, particularly team interest, social responsibility, and rules and standard operating procedures, tend to have a significant positive impact on work engagement. On the other hand, low formalization of organizational structures was not seen to have significant impacts. Policy and managerial implications of these findings are discussed.