BUDDHA-DHAMMA GOVERNANCE FOR ENHANCING WORKERS’ QUALITY OF LIFE UNDER SUPERVISION OF CONFEDERATION OF THAI LABOR

Abstract

Objectives of this article were: 1. To study the level of quality of life of workers under the supervision of the Council of Labor Organizations for Labor Development of Thailand, 2. To study the relationship between the principles of Buddhist governance and the quality of life of workers, and
3. To propose Buddhist governance principles to promote the quality of life of workers. Quantitative data were collected using a questionnaire with a reliability value of 0.970, from 371 samples who were workers selected through Taro Yamane's formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The qualitative data were collected by in-depth-interviewing 10 key informants using structured in-depth-interview script and analyzed by contextual content descriptive interpretation to support the quantitative findings.

The research findings revealed that: 1. Workers’ overall quality of life, including all dimensions, was at a high level. Notably, the highest average was found in the dimension of Citta-bhavana (mental cultivation), reflecting mental stability and a positive attitude. This was followed by Kaya-bhavana (physical cultivation), and Pañña-bhavana (wisdom cultivation). Although Sila-bhavana (moral cultivation) was also at a high level, it had the lowest average, indicating a need to further promote discipline and ethics within the organization. 2. The four principles of Bhavana (cultivation) had a statistically significant positive correlation with workers’ quality of life at a moderate level. 3. The proposed approaches to enhancing quality of life encompassed all eight dimensions. It is recommended that the Council of Thai Labor Development Union promote a holistic development of workers’ quality of life based on Buddhadhamma Governance. This should aim for balance across physical, moral, mental, and intellectual aspects through activities aligned with the Four Bhavana principles for example, mindful consumption alongside with establishing a fair career development system.