BUDDHADHAMMA INTEGRATION FOR PROMOTING ADMINISTRATION EFFECTIVENESS OF MUNICIPALITIES IN NAKHON NAYOK PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed 1. to study the administrative effectiveness of municipalities in Nakhon Nayok Province, 2. to examine the factors affecting the administrative effectiveness of municipalities in Nakhon Nayok Province, and 3. to present the integration of Buddhist principles to promote administrative effectiveness of municipalities in Nakhon Nayok Province. The study employed a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data was collected from 394 respondents using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.973. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as inferential statistics through stepwise multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data were collected from 21 key informants and 10 participants in focus group discussions and analyzed through descriptive content analysis.

The findings revealed that 1. the overall administrative effectiveness of municipalities in Nakhon Nayok Province was at a high level, 2. administrative factors and Bala 4 (the Four Powers) significantly affected the administrative effectiveness of municipalities in Nakhon Nayok Province at the 0.01 and 0.05 levels, respectively, and 3. the integration of Buddhist principles comprised Paññā-bala (using information, knowledge, and reason in decision-making), Viriya-bala (determination and diligence in serving the public and continuous follow-up), Anavajja-bala (acting honestly, justly, and accountably in every process), and Saṅgaha-bala (showing kindness and generosity, especially in caring for vulnerable groups).