Integrated Buddhist Governance to Develop Local Government Organizations toward Excellence

Abstract

This dissertation aims to: (1) examine the conditions of integrated Buddhist governance to develop local government organizations toward excellence; (2) develop an integrated Buddhist governance administrative process for enhancing local government organizations toward excellence; and (3) propose a model of integrated Buddhist governance administration for developing local government organizations toward excellence. The sample consisted of 299 personnel working in local government organizations in Roi Et Province that had received awards for good governance management. In addition, 21 key informants, including monks and laypersons, were selected for in-depth data collection. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach using an explanatory sequential design. Data collection instruments included a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire with content validity indices ranging from 0.60 to 1.00 and a reliability coefficient of 0.92, as well as semi-structured interviews. The statistical techniques used for data analysis comprised percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

The research findings indicated that the overall conditions of integrated Buddhist governance administration and organizational excellence of local government organizations were at a high level. When considered by individual dimensions and ranked from highest to lowest mean scores, the principle of value for money recorded the highest mean, followed by the principle of the rule of law, while the principle of accountability showed the lowest mean.

The development of the administrative process and model was based on the synthesis of key components according to the frequency of occurrence, which were classified into two main components: (1) good governance administration of local government organizations toward excellence, and (2) integrated Buddhist-based governance administration. The good governance component comprised six core principles: the rule of law, morality, transparency, participation, accountability, and value for money. These principles functioned as structural and procedural frameworks for managing local government organizations effectively, transparently, accountably, and in alignment with the public interest.

Meanwhile, the integrated Buddhist governance administration component emphasized the development of ethical dimensions and moral consciousness among administrators and personnel by integrating the Four Brahmaviharas-loving-kindness (metta), compassion (karuna), sympathetic joy (mudita), and equanimity (upekkha). These principles serve to guide the exercise of power and decision-making processes based on compassion, empathy, impartiality, and fairness. Such an approach helps reduce discrimination, build public trust, and strengthen positive relationships between local government organizations and citizens.

The synthesis results led to the presentation of a systematic integrated Buddhist governance administration model that can be practically applied to the development of local government organizations toward excellence. This model enhances managerial competence, ethical use of authority, and public participation, thereby improving the quality of governance, public service delivery, and public trust. Ultimately, it contributes to organizational excellence and the long-term sustainability of local governance administration.