The Process of Promoting Respect for Human Dignity to Enhance a Peaceful Organization according to Buddhist Peaceful Means in Thaklong Municipality Pathumthani Province

Abstract

The research article had the following objectives: 1) to investigate the context, problems, needs, and concepts related to respect for human dignity according to modern science; 2) to explore Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of respect for human dignity; and 3) to develop and present the process for promoting respect for human dignity to enhance a peaceful organization according to Buddhist peaceful means. The study employed a mixed-method research design, with a pilot experiment conducted using an exploratory sequential design. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with 28 key informants selected through purposive sampling, as well as focus group discussions with 9 experts. The pilot experiment involved 23 government officials. The tools used to evaluate pretest and posttest results included a satisfaction survey and participant observation. The collected data were analyzed using content analysis and presented descriptively based on the identified key points.

The study revealed the following results: 1) there are two key problems in the process of promoting respect for human dignity to enhance a peaceful organization according to Buddhist peaceful principles: (a) personnel within the organization do not respect human dignity, and (b) personnel responsible for providing services do not respect the human dignity of those seeking services. 2) The Buddhist peaceful means conducive to the development of respect for human dignity include Saṅgahavatthu (Four Bases of Social Solidarity), which aim to create a good and happy society where people respect human dignity. This can be achieved by applying the four principles of dhamma: dāna, which refers to forgiveness, sacrifice, and sharing; piyavācā, which refers to polite, pleasant, truthful, and timely speech; atthacariyā, which refers to useful conduct; and samānattatā, which refers to an impartial and stable mind. Together, these principles foster trust within the organization and contribute to creating a peaceful environment. 3) The process for promoting respect for human dignity to enhance a peaceful organization according to Buddhist peaceful means includes participatory training that integrates the following modern scientific concepts: Kohlberg’s theory, which explains the principles human beings use to decide whether to take an action; the PLUS Decision-Making Model, which emphasizes ethical decision-making by considering the four elements represented by the acronym PLUS; and Bloom’s Taxonomy, which focuses on development that leads to behavior becoming a lifestyle. Together with Saṅgahavatthu principles, these concepts contribute to creating a good society where people respect one another, forming the basis of a model called the ‘Respect Model’.