BUDDHADHAMMA INTEGRATED NINE KEYS PRINCIPLES OF PALANGJIT DHARMA JAKRAWAN INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPING TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP AMONG VOLUNTEERS AT HUA HIN MUNICIPALITY, PRACHUAP KHIRI KHAN PROVINCE

Abstract

The objectives of this research article were: 1. To examine the transformational leadership of volunteer workers, 2. To investigate the factors influencing transformational leadership, and 3. To propose a Buddhist integration approach for developing transformational leadership through the Nine Keys Principles of the Palangjit Dharma Jakrawan Institute within Hua Hin Municipality, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, conducted by the mixed methods. For the quantitative method, the samples consisted of 139 volunteers who had completed transformational leadership training, selected through stratified random sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires, distributed and retrieved within 30 days, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analysis. For the qualitative method, in-depth interviews were conducted with 18 key informants, guided by research framework-based questions. Each interview lasted 45–60 minutes, with participants’ consent for audio recording. Data was analyzed through descriptive content interpretation.

The findings revealed that: 1. Overall transformational leadership was at a moderate level; 2. The key factors that significantly predicted transformational leadership at a high level were the Buddhist principles of Tisikkha specifically Samadhi, concentration and Panna, wisdom  and six dimensions of the Nine Keys Principles, namely generosity, self-exploration, problem-solving, communication and cognitive skills, positive thinking and forgiveness, and leadership, with statistical significance at the 0.01 and 0.05 levels; and 3. The integration of Buddhist teachings in concentration enhanced determination, perseverance, and carefulness, while the development of wisdom fostered creativity and analytical thinking for continuous improvement. The integrated application of the Nine Keys Principles enabled volunteers to cultivate four core characteristics of transformational leadership: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration.