THE MANAGEMENT OF FURNITURE BUSINESS ENTREPRENEURS IN LOPBURI PROVICE BASED ON BUDDHIST INTEGRATION PRINCIPLES

Abstract

This research had three objectives: 1) to study the conditions of problems and the management principles of furniture shop entrepreneurs in Lopburi Province; 2) to study Buddhist principles that promote the management of furniture shops in Lopburi Province; and 3) to present a Buddhist-integrated model of furniture shop management in Lopburi Province. The research design was qualitative research, consisting of documentary research and field research. The instruments used were an open-ended in-depth interview form and an open-ended questionnaire. The key informants comprised four groups, totaling 25 monks/persons: five monks/persons who were experts in Buddhism, five furniture shop entrepreneurs, five customers, and ten furniture shop employees. Data analysis employed content analysis through categorization, coding, synthesis, and interpretation within the real context, together with linking concepts, theories, and related documents.

The findings showed that after the COVID-19 situation, although social activities returned to normal, the economy and purchasing power had not fully recovered. Consumer behavior continuously shifted toward purchasing through online channels, resulting in entrepreneurs needing to adapt in digital marketing, content creation, and the use of technology such as AI. At the same time, problems were found regarding price competition, high costs, decreased liquidity, and challenges related to personnel, such as generational differences, training specific skills, and retaining employees.

Regarding Buddhist principles suitable for promoting management, it was found that the Four Bases of Success (Iddhipāda 4) helped drive work toward success; the Four Sublime States (Brahmavihāra 4) promoted happiness, unity, and fairness within the organization; and the Pāpaṇika-dhamma supported strategic management and long-term stability. The research presented the “MSF” model as a Buddhist-integrated management model, covering standards of the entrepreneur (M), the support section (S), and the front-of-shop section (F), in order to enhance service quality, build satisfaction, confidence, and repeat service use, leading to business stability both in the present and in the future.