The Process of Developing a Working Group to Manage the Civil Sector Dispute Mediation Center of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department through Buddhist Peaceful Means

Abstract

This research article aims to: (1) study and analyze the problems, context, necessities, needs, and concepts and theories related to the process of developing a working group for managing the Civil Sector Dispute Mediation Center of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department based on modern management disciplines; (2) study and analyze Buddhist peace principles that facilitate the development of the working group for managing the Civil Sector Dispute Mediation Center; and (3) develop and present a Buddhist peace–based process for developing the working group for managing the Civil Sector Dispute Mediation Center of the Rights and Liberties Protection Department. This qualitative research is grounded in the Noble Truths Model and follows the nine-step ladder approach of the Mindfulness Innovation and Peace Studies Program, Graduate School, Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya University.

The findings indicate that the major problems of the working group include a lack of leadership, neutrality, and independence due to interference from influential individuals, failure to maintain the confidentiality of disputing parties, dishonesty and improper solicitation of benefits by some members, inadequate patience in listening and insufficient communication skills, and the absence of a clear Buddhist peace–based management approach. The study further reveals that the development of the working group should integrate eight modern conceptual and theoretical frameworks—psychoanalysis, conflict management, learning organization, change management, ethical leadership, communication, participation, and management—with Buddhist doctrines, specifically the Four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna) and the Seven Conditions of Welfare (Aparihāniyadhamma), to form a systematic development process and a training curriculum. The proposed Buddhist peace–based development process comprises eight dimensions: personal attributes, teamwork, inner peace, communication, organizational management, network coordination, technology, and development and integration.