Operational Competencies for the National Office of Buddhism
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Abstract
The National Office of Buddhism (NOB) has faced challenges due to the lack of effective performance indicators and stakeholder engagement, particularly from the Sangha and religious academics, and its goal has still been unachievable. This study aimed to develop operational competency indicators using a mixed-methods approach. The qualitative data and expert consensus were synthesized using the Delphi technique for the establishment of competency components and indicators. The model structure was analyzed for its validity using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) with a sample of 418 civil servants.
The results proposed a five-key operational competency model, which included: competency in Knowledge of Buddhism, which was a crucial functional competency; Language and Communication skills; Organizational Problem-Solving skills; Essential Planning Skills; and Digital Technology skills, which were general competencies essential for modern public sector organizations. The result indicated the good fit of the model with the empirical data (χ²/df = 1.137, p-value = .089, CFI = .998, RMSEA = .018). Problem-solving skills were the most important (β = .954), showing the alignment with the current situation. The developed model is suitable as a framework for enhancing personnel efficiency and organizational competency of the NOB.
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