BUDDHIST LEADERSHIP IN MODERN THAI BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS

Abstract

        This academic article, titled "Buddhist Leadership in Modern Thai Business Organizations," has two main objectives: 1. To study the characteristics and application guidelines of Buddhist leadership and 2. To develop a Buddhist leadership model applicable for modern Thai business organizations.The article employs a documentary research approach, synthesizing concepts, theories, and research related to Buddhist leadership and Modern Business Management. The study found that leadership focused solely on material outcomes is insufficient for achieving sustainability. It suggests that leaders must initiate an inner transformation through the cultivation of Mindfulness (Sati) and Wisdom (Panya) to overcome greed, anger, and delusion—the root causes of organizational problems. Key Buddhist principles integrated as management tools include the following: 1. The principles of Iddhipada 4 (Four Bases of Accomplishment)  for fostering motivation and perseverance in work, 2. The principles of Brahmavihara 4 (Four Sublime States) for relationship management and building emotional connection, and  3. The principles of Sappurisa-dhamma 7 (Seven Qualities of a Virtuous Person), providing an ethical framework for stable, fair, and balanced decision-making. These findings led to the development of a three-level Buddhist Leadership Model in modern Thai business organizations, comprising the following levels: 1. The Personal Level (self-leadership), 2. The Private Level (leadership within close teams), and 3. The Public Level (the leader's sphere of influence on society and the organization).