Leadership Development by Buddhist Peaceful Means of Village Public Health Volunteers in Kanchanaburi Province

Abstract

The study entitled “Leadership Development by Buddhist Peaceful Means of Village Public Health Volunteers (VHV) in Kanchanaburi Province” consisted of the following objectives: 1) to examine the performance context of village public health volunteers' leadership in Kanchanaburi province as well as concepts and theories of leadership development based on modern science; 2) to explore the Buddhadhamma favorable to leadership development in village public health volunteers (VHV) performing duties in Kanchanaburi province; and 3) to develop and present a process of leadership development by Buddhist peaceful means of village public health volunteers (VHV) in Kanchanaburi province. The study employed a qualitative research method by using an action research based on Ariyasacca (the Four Noble Truths). The research tools were an in-depth interview form and a critical thinking process, with key informants separated into six groups totaling 24 persons.

From the study, the following results are found: 1) People lack coordination and trust in village public health volunteers as they lack leadership skills such as command, communication, vision, participation, peacebuilding, and teaching. The concepts of leadership development based on modern science consist of 5 aspects including (1) Structural directing based on righteousness through cooperation; (2) Having vision by aiming to enhance people's health and using technology and new communication methods; (3) Participation in planning, defining work, and promoting activities that improve people’s health; (4) Peacebuilding by not inciting conflict, speaking the truth and useful things; and (5) Teaching and advising the right things, as well as being a good listener; 2) The Buddhadhamma favorable to leadership development involves an application of 4 bases of social solidarity (Saṅgahavatthu), which include sharing and giving things, assistance, encouragement, and advice (dāna); speaking politely, pleasantly, and kindly (piyavācā); providing services and being helpful to others and the public (atthacariyā); participation and behaving oneself in an even and equal treatment through visiting the community continuously (samānattatā). Bhāvanā (four developments) should also be applied in leadership development, including physical, moral, emotional, and intellectual aspects. 3) The process of leadership development through Buddhist peaceful means of village public health volunteers (VHV) is an integration of Saṅgahavatthu and 5-dimension leadership theory, followed by a synthesis into the "5D² Plus Model." The model is then revised based on the development in 4 aspects (Bhāvanā): physical, emotional, moral, and intellectual. On this basis, a new body of knowledge is created, called the "5D² & Plus² Model". According to this model, the first 5Ds refer to the 5 dimensions of leadership, the second 5Ds refer to the results of the research synthesis, which are: (1) Delivering knowledge to villagers; (2) Declaring rewards as a way to build motivation; (3) Desire of village public health volunteers to become health leaders; (4) Diamond VHV, in which village public health volunteers are developed into role models like a polished diamond; and (5) Digital skills, including skills to use modern equipment and materials. The first ‘Plus²’ refers to Saṅgahavatthu, while the second ‘Plus²’ refers to the development in 4 aspects (Bhāvanā). 5D² & Plus² Model is the key to leadership development by Buddhist peaceful means of village public health volunteers (VHV) in Kanchanaburi province.