GUIDELINES FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES OF SANGHA VADDHU 4 OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS UNDER THE DON MUEANG DISTRICT OFFICE BANGKOK

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1) to study the needs and characteristics of school administrators under the Don Mueang District Office, Bangkok, 2) to study the methods for developing characteristics of school administrators under the Don Mueang District Office, Bangkok, according to the principles of the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (Saṅgahavatthu 4), and 3) to propose guidelines for developing characteristics according to the principles of the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (Saṅgahavatthu 4) for school administrators under the Don Mueang District Office, Bangkok. The research employed a mixed-methods design. The quantitative study collected data via questionnaires from a sample of 187 administrators, teachers, and educational personnel. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. The qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with 7 key experts/informants. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research results found that 1) The overall characteristics of school administrators under the Don Mueang District Office, Bangkok, were found to be at an overall high level. The factors in terms of management, ability, personality, and morality and ethics are the result of personal characteristics, experience, work atmosphere, and support for policies that promote organizational development and educational quality. 2) The research findings reveal that the development of characteristics of school administrators under the Don Mueang District Office, Bangkok, according to the Four Bases of Social Solidarity (Saṅgahavatthu 4): Dāna (Giving): Emphasizing sharing benefits fairly, promoting teamwork, and offering opportunities, knowledge, and encouragement to colleagues; Piyavācā (Kind Speech): Using polite and gentle language, actively listening to opinions, and creating a positive and supportive working atmosphere; Atthacariyā (Constructive Action): Being an exemplary role model who sacrifices, willingly helps others, and works to the fullest capacity, promoting continuous development of oneself and others; and Samānattatā (Impartiality): Ensuring fairness, equality, and respect for everyone and creating a sense of impartiality in working. The application of these four principles helps to build effective and sustainable characteristics. 3) Guidelines for developing administrator characteristics according to Saṅgahavatthu 4: (1) Dāna: Executives should be givers of resources, opportunities, knowledge, and encouragement to colleagues, actively promoting teamwork and equitable benefit sharing. (2) Piyavācā: Executives must speak politely and gently, foster a positive working atmosphere, and actively listen to others' opinions with genuine intent. (3) Atthacariyā: Executives should serve as role models by working diligently, sacrificing, and helping others willingly, promoting continuous self and personnel development. 4) Samānattatā: Executives should be appropriate, fair and respect everyone equally, creating an organizational culture of fairness and equity.