BUDDHADHAMMA INTEGRATION FOR DRIVING RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY OF DEPARTMENT OF ALTERNATIVE ENERGY DEVELOPMENT AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

Abstract

Objectives of this dissertation were: 1. To study the implementation of renewable energy policy of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Energy Conservation; 2. To investigate the factors influencing such policy implementation; and 3. To propose an integrative model of Buddhadhamma to enhance the implementation of renewable energy policy. A mixed-methods research design was employed. The quantitative involved a sample of 292 respondents drawn from a population of 1,079 individuals, using a questionnaire as the data collection instrument. Data were analyzed using frequency, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The qualitative component involved in-depth interviews with 18 key informants and a focus group discussion with 10 participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall level of renewable energy policy implementation by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Energy Conservation was high; 2. Significant factors influencing policy implementation included three dimensions of New Public Management professional management, clear specification of administrative objectives, and the linkage between performance outcomes and public resource allocation as well as the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipada 4), all of which demonstrated statistically significant effects; and 3. The integration of Buddhadhamma into renewable energy policy implementation involved the application of Iddhipada 4, namely: chanda (aspiration and intrinsic motivation grounded in valuing one’s work), viriya (perseverance and sustained effort), citta (attentiveness and concentrated engagement), and vimamsa (critical reflection, evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making), in conjunction with New Public Management principles.