The purpose of this paper is to propose the knowledge management (KM) model of the Thai “One Tambon One Product” (OTOP) community business by investigating the KM practices of the selected five‐star OTOP businesses of Thailand and identifying the KM factors that affect the success of their businesses.
A qualitative research method was used. The research units were three groups of Thai OTOP Champions with a score of five stars who have become successful in community income building, with national renown and ethnic representations. The research had three phases. Phase 1 was the study of KM practices of top OTOP businesses and factors affecting their successes of these businesses. Data were collected by in‐depth interviews, focus groups, and participatory observations. The informants were the OTOP businesses' administrators, operating staff, and members. Phase 2 involved data analysis and synthesis using content analysis. Phase 3 consisted of the development of a KM model for top OTOP businesses based on the results of Phase 1 and KM theories. The model was confirmed via a seminar technique and expert knowledge.
The findings lead to proposal of a KM model for top successful Thai OTOP businesses, with the following components: KM processes propelling the process of OTOP business management, and KM success factors including leadership, organizational cultures, man, and knowledge/intellect.
This research has developed a KM model for community business, which is based on the practices of successful national businesses. Therefore it can be applied for the management of any OTOP business in Thailand.
