Developing Buddhist Administrative Leadership to Reduce Political Inequality DOI:

Abstract

This dissertation, entitled “The Development of Buddhist-Based Governance Leadership to Reduce Political Inequality,” aims to: (1) examine the current conditions of Buddhist-based governance leadership in reducing political inequality; (2) develop Buddhist-based governance leadership to reduce political inequality; and (3) propose guidelines for the development of Buddhist-based governance leadership to reduce political inequality. The sample consisted of 398 eligible voters aged 18 and over in Kalasin Province, and 22 key informants, including monks and laypersons. This 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 0.89, as well as semi-structured interviews. The statistical methods used for data analysis included percentage, mean, and standard deviation.

        The research findings indicate that the overall condition of Buddhist governance leadership for reducing political inequality is at a high level, both overall and across individual dimensions. When considering each dimension in descending order of mean scores, transformational leadership ranks highest, followed by leadership competency, while people governance records the lowest mean score. The development of Buddhist governance leadership aimed at reducing political inequality is grounded in the synthesis of two key components: effective leadership characteristics, including transformational leadership, human development, and strategic thinking, and Buddhist leadership conceptualized through the framework of self-governance, people governance, and task governance, integrated with core Buddhist principles. This approach promotes the exercise of state power in a transparent, equitable, and accountable manner, reduces discrimination and inequality in access to resources and political decision-making processes, and enhances public trust and the long-term legitimacy of state authority. The development emphasizes moral and ethical cultivation of leaders, equitable engagement with citizens, and effective and accountable public administration, ultimately contributing to the sustainable reduction of political inequality.