THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUDDHIST LEADERSHIP BASED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF SARANIYADHAMMA FOR EDUCATIONAL LEADERS TO PROMOTE HAPPINESS AND WELL-BEING IN THE ERA OF CHANGE

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The principles of Saraniyadhamma fostered good relationships and cooperation within organizations, leading to an environment that promoted happiness and well-being in educational institutions, which could be sustained in the long term. Management based on Saraniyadhamma encouraged cooperation and mutual understanding among leaders, organizational members, and students while also effectively reducing conflicts within the organization. This study aimed to examine Buddhist leadership in management based on the principles of Saraniyadhamma in the era of change, focusing on happiness and well-being. Additionally, it aimed to develop Buddhist leadership based on the principles of Saraniyadhamma for educational leaders to promote happiness and well-being in the era of change.

Methodology: Methodology: This was mixed-methods research. The quantitative study began by defining the research scope, which included teachers and educational personnel from schools that implemented the Buddhist Path School Project, totaling 1,320 individuals in Bangkok.
A sample of 302 individuals was selected using simple random sampling. The research instrument used was a questionnaire, which was reviewed by experts in various fields and tested for reliability (Cronbach's Alpha) with a value of 0.86, which was considered to be good. Data collection from the questionnaire was completed 100%, and descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing using Pearson's correlation coefficient were applied. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions for the qualitative study. Data analysis in this section used content analysis and triangulation to ensure the reliability and comprehensiveness of the research findings.

Main Results: It was found that the study of leadership in accordance with the Buddhist Path based on the principles of Saraniyadhamma during times of change, as a whole, was at the highest level ( = 4.65, S.D. = 0.22). When considering each aspect individually, all aspects were at the highest level, listed from highest to lowest as follows: 1) Mettàvacãkamma, speaking politely
( = 4.67, S.D. = 0.23); 2) Mettàmanokamma, having goodwill and positive intentions ( = 4.65, S.D. = 0.26); 3) Diññhisàmannatà, mutual agreement ( = 4.61, S.D. = 0.26); 4) Sãlasàmannatà, integrity and correctness ( = 4.64, S.D. = 0.31); 5) Mettàkàyakamma, having polite actions ( = 4.63, S.D. = 0.26); and 6) Sàdhàranabhogità, sharing and distributing resources ( = 4.60, S.D. = 0.31).
It was found that happiness and well-being, as a whole, were at the highest level ( = 4.65,
S.D. = 0.22). When considering each aspect individually, all aspects were at the highest level, listed from highest to lowest as follows: 1) Kāyika-sukha, physical health ( = 4.71, S.D. = 0.22); 2) Citta-sukha, mental health ( = 4.65, S.D. = 0.22); 3) Sosiala-sukha, social well-being ( = 4.65, S.D. = 0.25); and 4) Citta-vīrya-sukha, spiritual well-being ( = 4.62, S.D. = 0.28). It was found that there was a positive relationship between Buddhist leadership based on Saraniyadhamma during times of change and happiness and well-being. The relationship was strong (rxy = 0.714) and statistically significant at the .01 level. It was found that developing Buddhist leaders based on the principles of Saraniyadhamma promoted workplace happiness and well-being.

Involvement to Buddhadhamma: This article applied Buddhism and the development of wisdom and morality with Buddhism. It involved using leadership principles that emphasized good relationships and living a life of virtue. These principles focused on being aware of change and living mindfully, which contributed to developing a happy life and effective collaboration within organizations.

Conclusions: The principles of Saraniyadhamma served as a fundamental basis for developing Buddhist leadership, which helped build good relationships, promoted virtue, and enhanced leaders' abilities to guide organizations toward success.