QUALITY OF SERVICE IN THE PERFORMANCE OF PERSONNEL IN THE FUNERAL RITES GROUP BESTOWED KANCHANABURI PROVINCIAL CULTURAL OFFICE BY APPLYING BUDDHADHAMMA

Abstract

This research article has the following objectives: 1. to study the level of service quality in performing royal funeral ceremonies among personnel of the Royal Funeral Ceremony Group, Office of Kanchanaburi Provincial Cultural Affairs. 2. to study the relationship between the principles of Sangahavatthu Dhamma and the service quality in performing royal funeral ceremonies among personnel of the Royal Funeral Ceremony Group, Office of Kanchanaburi Provincial Cultural Affairs. 3. to present the service quality in the performance of duties by personnel of the Royal Funeral Ceremony Group, Office of Kanchanaburi Provincial Cultural Affairs through the application of Buddhist principles. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The quantitative research used a questionnaire as a tool, with stratified random sampling of 140 service recipients. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, along with a one-way analysis of variance. The qualitative research employed in-depth interviews with 10 individuals involved in the administration, and the data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis.

The findings reveal that 1. Respondents were mostly male (50%), aged 31–40 years (38.60%), married (52.90%), held a bachelor’s degree (48.60%), and had participated in royal cremation ceremonies as collaborators (65%). Overall, Unit was rated at the highest level (=4.60). 2. There was a high positive correlation between Sangahavatthu Dhamma and the application of Buddhist principles in service delivery (r = .752**). 3. Service quality comprised four aspects: reliability, appropriateness, adequacy, and problem-solving capability. These were enhanced through the integration of Sangahavatthu Dhamma: Dana (generosity) willingness to give and support; Piyavaca (kind speech) using courteous and respectful language; Atthacariya (beneficial conduct) acting in ways that bring value to others; and Samanattata (impartiality) maintaining fairness and appropriate demeanor. The application of these principles contributed to more effective and efficient service performance in all dimensions.