Effectiveness of Administration : A Case Study of Sangha in Muang District, Kanchanaburi

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Sangha administration in Muang District, Kanchanaburi, and to study problems, make suggestions, and suggest a guideline on problem-solving solutions concerning Sangha administration in 6 dimensions to improve the administration by means of qualitative research. The sample consisted of 33 Sangha as ecclesiastical district officers, deputy ecclesiastical officers, ecclesiastical chiefs of sub-districts, and abbots, selected by purposive sampling. Interviews and questionnaires with open-ended questions on effectiveness of  Sangha administration were used as a tool to collect data. The data were analyzed from in-depth interviews, observation forms, and records form the sample. The research results revealed that: As for the effectiveness of Sangha administration in Muang District, Kanchanaburi, it revealed that monks and novices had opinions toward Sangha administration in Muang District, Kanchanaburi as follows: On governing, the Sangha promoted monks and novices to be equipped with knowledge, ability, experience and behaved themselves under the framework of Buddhism disciplines, and acted as a good model on community development. On education, the Sangha was capable of managing education for monks, novices, and youths, supporting them to learn Pali, Dhamma scholars, and Pariyuttidhamma study. On educational support, the Sangha was capable of managing education to assist monks and novices, including laymen effectively. On propagation of Buddhism, the Sangha promoted teaching/learning in the temple so that the youths could see the learning atmosphere by themselves. Dhamma practice was organized, activities were created to promote learning together with fundamental moral ethics so that the youths could be good citizens. On construction and renovation of temples, the Sangha in each temple helped watch over temple buildings so that they would be in good condition, with proper maintenance if they were dilapidated, creating respect and faith to laymen. On public assistance, the Sangha organized raised fund to find budget for public assistance effectively.  The results of study on problems, obstacles, and suggestion on the effectiveness of Sangha administration in Muang District, Kanchanaburi revealed that some members of the Sangha lacked clear vision and objectives in administration, resulting in ineffective work. To solve this, there should be a meeting for the Sangha regularly to enhance the effectiveness in Sangha administration in Muang District, Kanchanaburi. Also, creative activities should be organized between temple and communities regularly.