ENHANCING MANAGEMENT EFFICIENCY OF PROVINCIAL MEDITATION CENTERS: A CASE STUDY OF WAT KHUNG TAPHAO, UTTARADIT PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aimed to study 1) investigate the current management status of provincial meditation centers, 2) analyze factors influencing their management efficiency, and 3) propose guidelines for enhancing management efficiency. The research focused on Wat Khung Taphao, Uttaradit's third Provincial Meditation Center. Data was collected through participant observation and in-depth interviews. Key informants, selected based on the administrative structure and network proportions, included the Abbot, meditation masters, Wat Khung Taphao network members, and practitioners from three communities (Ban Khung Taphao, Ban Pa Khanun, and Ban Pa Kluai), totaling 24 individuals.

The research results were found as follows;

1) The current management of the provincial meditation center aligned with non - profit organizational management principles, encompassing leadership, organizational structure and management, resources, operational processes, community and network relations, and organizational values and culture.

2) The key factors significantly impacting management efficiency were leadership, human resources, and community and network relations, with leadership demonstrating a particularly strong influence through appropriate vision and management skills. Factors such as organizational structure, operational processes, and organizational values and culture played a secondary role.

3) Guidelines for enhancing management efficiency involved applying the seven principles of Sappurisadham (virtuous qualities): Dhamannuta (knowing the cause), Atthannuta (knowing the result), Attannuta (knowing oneself), Mattannuta (knowing moderation), Kalannuta (knowing the proper time), Parisannuta (knowing the assembly), and Pukkalannuta (knowing individuals). These principles were crucial for analyzing and improving management to foster the seven factors of Sappaya (conducive conditions), thereby supporting the practice of mindfulness (Satipatthana 4) at the provincial meditation center.