The Promotion of Moral and Ethical Conduct Among Teachers and Educational Personnel under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office

Abstract

Background and Aims: Morality and ethics are considered fundamental principles for every human being. Morality serves as a key guideline for individuals or society to apply in their daily lives. It helps individuals perform their duties smoothly, achieve success in their work, and become good members of their families, society, and the nation. For teachers, morality must go hand in hand with the profession; a teacher without morality is like a monk without precepts. Morality is a fundamental aspect for everyone and all professions. This research aims to: 1) Study the level of personnel’s opinions on the promotion of morality and ethics among government teachers and educational personnel, and 2) Compare the levels of those opinions, categorized by educational level, work experience, and position, within the Secondary Educational Service Area Office Nakhon Ratchasima. Additionally, it seeks to explore approaches for promoting morality and ethics among government teachers and educational personnel under the Secondary Educational Service Area Office in Nakhon Ratchasima.

Methodology: The sample group used in this research consisted of school administrators, teachers, and educational personnel under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office. The sample of 351 individuals was selected using stratified random sampling. The research instruments included a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire and a structured interview. The Index of Item-Objective Congruence (IOC) ranged from 0.80 to 1.00, and the reliability coefficient was 0.84. The statistical methods used for data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test (ANOVA), and pairwise comparison using Scheffé’s method.

Results: The research findings revealed that: 1. The overall level of promoting morality and ethics among teachers and educational personnel under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office was rated as high. When considering each aspect individually, the promotion of morality and ethics in all areas was also rated at a high level. 2. The promotion of morality and ethics, when classified by educational background, work experience, and job position, showed statistically significant differences at the .05 level. 3. Guidelines for promoting morality and ethics among teachers and educational personnel under the Nakhon Ratchasima Secondary Educational Service Area Office were identified as follows: safeguarding national independence and sovereignty; adhering to religious principles and respecting religious diversity; conducting oneself within moral boundaries; performing duties with a strong sense of responsibility, considering the benefit of the public service and relevant stakeholders; developing work systematically; applying modern technology and engaging in continuous self-development to achieve targeted outcomes; providing services willingly; treating everyone equally and respectfully; being a good citizen who respects the law, maintains discipline, and upholds professional standards; using polite language; listening attentively to others' opinions; and practicing compassion.

Conclusion: The promotion of morality and ethics among teachers and educational personnel focuses on instilling positive values, honesty, and a strong sense of duty. It emphasizes being a good role model for students and society, as well as working with transparency and accountability. Activities such as training sessions, awareness-building programs, and continuous evaluations are organized to foster and develop professional ethics in the teaching profession.