Model of Sangha Administrators in Temple Management in California, United States

Abstract

This research aims to: 1) study temple management models of Sangha administrators, 2) compare people's opinions towards temple management models of Sangha administrators, and 3) study problems, obstacles and suggestions for developing temple management models of Sangha administrators in California, United States of America. This research employed mixed methods research comprising quantitative research using survey questionnaires with 270 Thai people. The statistics used were frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation. The qualitative research collected data through in-depth interviews with 8 key informants. The data were analyzed descriptively, organized and systematically classified. The research findings revealed that: 1) People's overall opinions were at a moderate level. 2) Different personal factors had different opinions, thus rejecting research hypotheses. 3) Suggestions for temple management models of Sangha administrators in California, United States of America include: Governance aspect - organize training to provide knowledge for Sangha admini-strators. Religious education aspect - increase education support budget and request additional budget from government sector. Religious welfare education aspect - Sangha administrators should give more importance to establishing Buddhist Sunday schools than before. Buddhist propagation aspect - Sangha administrators should give more importance to Buddhist propagation than before. Public facilities aspect - request budget support from government agencies or invite donations from Buddhist followers for construction and renovation of temple facilities. And the public welfare aspect - temples and communities should maintain good coordination in organizing public benefit activities.