INTEGRATING GROWTH MINDSET, AGILITY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL RESILIENCE INTO BUDDHIST ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP: A CONCEPTUAL SYNTHESIS BASED ON THE PDCA CYCLE

Abstract

This article aims to synthesize and develop a conceptual framework that integrates growth mindset, agility, and psychological resilience into Buddhist leadership, using the PDCA cycle as a systemic foundation for analysis. The study adopts a documentary analysis and conceptual synthesis approach. The findings indicate that growth mindset serves as a cognitive foundation that fosters openness to learning and continuous development. Agility functions as a behavioral mechanism that enables leaders to respond adaptively within dynamic and uncertain environments. Meanwhile, psychological resilience represents an essential psychological capacity that allows leaders to recover, sustain performance, and grow through adversity. When integrated with core Buddhist principles—namely Right View (Sammā-diṭṭhi), the Four Bases of Accomplishment (Iddhipāda), Mindfulness (Sati), Patience (Khanti), and Equanimity (Upekkhā)—these elements collectively form what can be conceptualized as “Buddhist Adaptive Leadership.” This integrative model can be systematically explained through the PDCA (Plan–Do–Check–Act) cycle, which is reconceptualized as a dynamic learning system rather than merely a process improvement tool. This body of knowledge contributes to the advancement of leadership theory by bridging Western psychological constructs with Buddhist philosophical foundations. It offers a holistic framework that encompasses cognitive, behavioral, and psychological dimensions of leadership. The proposed model also has significant practical implications for leadership development in educational and organizational contexts, particularly in promoting continuous learning, mindful action, and sustainable adaptation in an increasingly complex world.