BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FOR ELDERLY CARE ACCORDING TO BUDDHIST GUIDELINES OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN BANGKOK

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the management of elderly care businesses of the private sector in Bangkok, 2. To identify factors influencing the management of elderly care businesses of the private sector in Bangkok, and 3. To propose a Buddhist-oriented approach to managing elderly care businesses of the private sector in Bangkok. The research employed the mixed methods, collecting quantitative data using questionnaires from a sample of 221 personnel in elderly care businesses in Bangkok, and qualitative data from 18 key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed through content descriptive interpretation.

The research findings were as follows: 1. The overall management of elderly care businesses was found to be at a high level. 2. Factors influencing the management of elderly care businesses included: 1. supporting factors such as finances, equipment, management, and personnel; and 2. the Four Brahmavihara (Divine Abodes) in Buddhism, comprising Metta, loving-kindness, Mutita, sympathetic joy, Ubekkha, equanimity and Kurana compassion, which significantly influenced the management factors at the 0.05 significance level. 3. The Buddhist-oriented management of elderly care businesses of the private sector in Bangkok showed that the Four Brahmaviharas were applied to foster effective business management, including: 1. Metta, loving-kindness, 2. Karuna, compassion, 3. Mutita, sympathetic joy, and 4. Ubhekkha, equanimity. These principles, along with supporting factors like personnel, finances, equipment, and management, served as the foundation for effective management of elderly care businesses in the private sector in Bangkok.