BUDDHADHAMMA INTEGRATION FOR PROMOTING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC SERVICES OF SUB-DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS IN MAE HONG SON PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study the quality of public service provided by sub-district administrative organizations in Mae Hong Son province. 2. To study factors affecting the quality of public service of sub-district administrative organizations in Mae Hong Son province. 3. To present the integration of Buddhist principles to enhance the quality of public service of sub-district administrative organizations in Mae Hong Son province. The research employed a mixed-methods design. Quantitative research collected data from a sample of 397 individuals using a questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.973, analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Qualitative research conducted in-depth interviews with 18 key informants using descriptive content analysis, and focus group discussions with 10 participants to confirm the findings.

Findings were as follows: 1. The overall public service quality was at a high level across all dimensions, ranked from highest to lowest mean as: progressive, continuous, equitable, timely, and ample service, respectively. The lowest-scoring dimension reflected resource constraints in remote areas. 2. Both the 4M administrative factors personnel, management, materials, and budget and the Sangahavatthu 4 principles Samanattata, Dana, Atthacariya, and Piyavaja significantly affected public service quality. When analyzed in separate models, the Sangahavatthu 4 showed a higher predictive coefficient, reflecting the importance of Buddhist behavioral dimensions in the local service context. 3. The integration of Sangahavatthu 4 Dana, Piyavaja, Atthacariya, and Samanattata with the 4M administrative factors provides an effective approach for sustainably promoting public service quality across all five dimensions of equitable, timely, ample, continuous, and progressive service.