INTEGRATION OF BUDDHADHAMMA TO DECISION-MAKING GO TO THE POLL FOR ADMINISTRATORS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS OF SUBDISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS OF PEOPLE IN LAMPANG PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to: 1. study the decision-making process of the public in electing council members and the president of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO), 2. examine the factors influencing public decision-making in electing SAO council members and presidents, and 3. integrate Buddhist principles to enhance the decision-making process in elections for SAO council members and presidents in Lampang Province. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative research through in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions, and quantitative research using a questionnaire with a reliability score of 0.995. Data were collected from a sample of 398 respondents and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis.

The research findings revealed that: 1. The public’s decision-making in electing council members and the president of the Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) in Lampang Province was influenced by personal feelings, evaluating candidates based on their past performance, considering the overall benefits, comparing lessons learned from other areas, and quantitatively assessing the popularity levels. 2. Factors influencing public decision-making in these elections could predict 19.6% of the decision-making variance, while the Four Biases (Akkhati) accounted for 12.6%. 3. The integration of Buddhist principles to enhance the public’s decision-making in electing SAO council members and the president in Lampang Province involved applying Chandakati (decision-making with fairness), Dosakati (understanding and reason), "Mohakati" (considering correctness and appropriateness), and Bhayakati (adhering to what is right, despite fear or pressure).