Flexible Management Strategies Based on Buddhist Principles for School Administrators under Primary Educational Service Area Offices

Abstract

This research aimed to study the current state of flexible administration among school administrators, develop flexible administration strategies based on Buddhist principles, and propose strategies for school administrators under the Primary Educational Service Area Offices. A mixed-methods research design was employed, with data collected in multiple phases from various groups of informants using questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Priority Needs Index, and content analysis. The findings revealed that flexible administration encompassed leadership, networks, readiness for change, organizational structure, and technology. The evaluation results showed that utility received the highest mean score, followed by appropriateness, accuracy, and feasibility, respectively. The proposed strategies consisted of vision, mission, goals, and strategic approaches focusing on leadership, adaptability, organizational structure, technology, and networks of kalyāṇamitta (spiritual friendship).