LEADERSHIP IN TEMPLE MANAGEMENT OF ABBOTS IN SAK LEK DISTRICT PHICHIT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research article aimed to: 1. study the leadership in temple management of abbots in Sak Lek District, Phichit Province; 2. compare the leadership in temple management of abbots in Sak Lek District, Phichit Province, classified by personal factors; and 3. propose guidelines for leadership in temple management of abbots in Sak Lek District, Phichit Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. For the quantitative research, the sample consisted of 100 monks in Sak Lek District. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using mean, standard deviation, t-test, F-test, and one-way analysis of variance. For the qualitative research, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine key informants. The synthesized findings were subsequently validated through a focus group discussion.

The findings revealed that 1. The overall administration of Sangha affairs in six aspects was at a high level ( = 4.07, S.D. = 0.55), while the overall practice of the four Brahmavihara principles was at the highest level ( = 4.36, S.D. = 0.57). 2. The comparison classified by personal factors revealed no significant differences overall or in any individual aspect. and 3. Leadership in temple management requires abbots to concurrently implement all six aspects of Sangha administration in accordance with the Dhamma and Vinaya and integrate the four Brahmavihara principles as essential virtues for leaders. Although temples differ in their contexts and conditions, resulting in different approaches to their activities, effective abbots should integrate the principles of Sangha administration with the Brahmavihara principles in their leadership. As temple administrators responsible for governing temples and supervising monks, abbots should also provide support and assistance to surrounding Buddhist communities. Such mutual support contributes to greater effectiveness in Sangha administration and temple management.