This research investigates the critical factors influencing organizational commitment among academic personnel within Rajabhat Universities in the Bangkok metropolitan area. Utilizing a mixed- methods approach, the study examines the interplay between leadership, innovative human resource management (HRM), innovation management, and job satisfaction. Quantitative data was collected from 300 academic staff members using purposive sampling, while qualitative insights were gathered through in-depth interviews with 15 university executives and stakeholders. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to analyze the causal relationships between these variables. Preliminary findings suggest that transformational and distributed leadership styles, when combined with ability- enhancing and motivation-driven HRM practices, significantly elevate job satisfaction and long-term organizational loyalty. The study concludes by proposing an integrated model to help higher education administrators develop sustainable policies that mitigate "brain drain" and enhance the competitive potential of academic institutions in a high-pressure urban labor market.
Keywords: Organizational Commitment, Innovative HRM, Academic Personnel, Transformational Leadership, Job Satisfaction