POLITICAL LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ACCORDING TO BUDDHIST PRINCIPLES OF LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION EXECUTIVES IN SURIN PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to: 1. study the political leadership; 2. identify factors affecting political leadership; and 3. propose guidelines for developing political leadership based on Buddhist principles among local government administrators in Surin Province. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Qualitative data were collected through structured in-depth interviews with 18 informants and a focus group of 10 experts, followed by descriptive content analysis. Quantitative data were gathered from a sample of 400 citizens using a questionnaire with a reliability of 0.991. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis.

The research findings were as follows: 1. Political Leadership: The study found that the overall political leadership of the administrators was at a high level. All individual aspects were also rated high, ranked in descending order as follows: the ability to analyze major social challenges, act as a change leader, propose feasible visions for rapid problem-solving, and utilize intelligence to mobilize resources for solutions. 2. Affecting Factors: Leadership characteristics and the Buddhist principle of Sappurisadhamma (virtues of a good person) significantly affected the political leadership of the administrators. These factors accounted for 40.5% and 16.4% of the variance, respectively, at a statistical significance level of 0.01. and 3. Leadership Development Guidelines: The development of political leadership based on the seven principles of Sappurisadhamma was proposed as follows: 1. Knowing the cause: administrators analyzed problems and listened to all parties. 2. Knowing the effect: they realized policy goals and continuously monitored progress. 3. Knowing oneself: they avoided clinging to power and focused on the public interest. 4. Knowing moderation: they utilized budgets appropriately and worked systematically. 5. Knowing the proper time: they prioritized tasks and understood the right timing for communication. 6. Knowing the community: they understood local lifestyles and cultures and 7. Knowing individuals: they kept an open mind to listen and actively participated in community activities.