INTEGRATING BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES TO STRENGTHEN THE POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF ADMINISTRATORS OF SUB-DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS IN CHAIYAPHUM PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were:  1. To examine political leadership, 2. To analyze the factors influencing political leadership, and 3. To propose an approach for integrating Buddhist principles to enhance the political leadership of administrators of Sub-district Administrative Organizations (SAOs) in Chaiyaphum Province, conducted by the mixed research methods. The qualitative research, data were collected through in-depth interviewing 18 key informants purposively selected and 9 participants in focus group discussions to validate the findings. The quantitative research, data were collected using questionnaires distributed to 400 eligible voters aged 18 and above from three SAOs (large, medium, and small) out of a population of 21,161, based on Yamane’s formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The findings indicated that: 1. Political leadership comprised various dimensions, including dedication and sacrifice, civic engagement, political intelligence, effective resource management, participatory governance, administrative and policy knowledge, decisiveness, and conflict resolution.
2. Influential factors on political leadership included family, peer groups, and mass media, collectively accounting for 12.9 percent of the variance at a statistically significant level. Buddhist principles, particularly Nissayasampanno (interpersonal harmony), had a greater influence, accounting for 22.0 percent of the variance. 3. To effectively integrate Buddhist principles in leadership development, emphasis should be placed on fostering meaningful interactions, empathetic listening, transparent communication, and building public trust. These aspects contributed to cultivating ethical, competent, and socially respected leaders in a sustainable manner.