BUDDHIST INTEGRATION FOR PROMOTING POLITICAL LEADERSHIP OF THE SUBDISTRICT MUNICIPAL EXECUTIVES OF THA WANG THONG MUNICIPALITY AT MUANG DISTRICT IN PHAYAO PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aims to 1. assess the level of Brahmavihara virtues and political leadership of administrators in the Tha Wang Thong Subdistrict Municipality, Mueang District, Phayao Province, 2. examine the relationship between Brahmavihara virtues and political leadership, and 3. propose a Buddhist-integrated approach to enhancing the political leadership of administrators in this municipality. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative research. Quantitative data were collected from a sample of 400 individuals using Taro Yamane's formula, with a questionnaire showing a reliability score of 0.939. Statistical analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient to test the hypotheses. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with 12 key informants, categorized into four groups. The qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis and thematic description.analyzed via descriptive thematic interpretation.

The findings revealed that: 1. the overall level of Brahmavihara virtues and political leadership among administrators was high; 2. There was a statistically significant positive correlation of moderate strength between Brahmavihara virtues and political leadership (r = 0.524, p < .01); and
3. Guidelines for enhancing political leadership based on Brahmavihara virtues include: using metta (loving-kindness) to foster strong community relationships, karuna (compassion) to provide assistance to citizens, mudita (empathetic joy) to honor and support outstanding individuals in the community, and upekkha (equanimity) to establish a transparent and fair administrative system.