A motivation for Improving the Quality of Life by Buddhist Psychology of Mon People Labor in Thailand

Abstract

          This research aims to: 1. Study the motivation for improving the quality of life based on Buddhist psychology; 2. Investigate the methods of motivating the improvement of the quality of life according to Buddhist psychology among the Mon ethnic group working in Thailand; and 3. Propose guidelines for motivating the improvement of the quality of life according to Buddhist psychology for the Mon ethnic group working in Thailand. The research employed a mixed-methods approach divided into three phases. Phase 1 utilized qualitative research, conducting in-depth interviews with 15 key informants. Phase 2 involved quantitative research using questionnaires administered to a sample of 485 Mon workers in Thailand. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. Phase 3 involved focus group discussions to present the research findings to experts in the field.

            The findings revealed that: 1. Motivation for improving the quality of life based on Buddhist psychology consists of four key Buddhist principles: the principle of “Ditthadhammikatha” (Virtues conducive to benefits in the present),Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory, and the WHOQOL organizational quality of life framework; 2. The methods of motivating the improvement of the quality of life among the Mon ethnic group working in Thailand, based on Buddhist psychology, include: 1) Motivation for improving physical quality of life; 2) Motivation for improving safety; 3) Motivation for improving social quality of life; 4) Motivation for improving moral quality of life; and 5) Motivation for improving ethical quality of life. The most significant statistical finding in terms of motivation for quality of life improvement was related to income and job security, followed by work environment and relationships with coworkers; 3. The proposed guidelines for motivating the improvement of the quality of life of the Mon ethnic group working in Thailand include promoting education, developing skills and vocational training, and establishing appropriate support systems to enhance motivation and the quality of life for Mon workers in Thailand as well as other foreign workers in the country.