Enhancing Local Politicians’ Leadership Based on Buddhist Principles in Solid Waste Management in Sageab Subdistrict, Song District, Phrae Province

Abstract

This research article aimed to: (1) examine the level of leadership among local politicians in solid waste management; (2) analyze the factors influencing local politicians’ leadership in solid waste management; and (3) propose guidelines for enhancing local politicians’ leadership based on the Pāpaṇika Dhamma principles within the context of Sageab Subdistrict, Song District, Phrae Province. A mixed-methods research design was employed. In the quantitative phase, the sample consisted of 368 residents. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. In the qualitative phase, data were obtained from 10 key informants (monks and lay participants) through in-depth interviews and were analyzed using content analysis.

The findings revealed that: (1) the overall level of local politicians’ leadership and their adherence to the Pāpaṇika Dhamma principles in solid waste management were both high (=3.77, S.D.=0.29; =3.69, S.D.=0.25, respectively); (2) factors that significantly influenced leadership at the 0.01 level included Nissayasampanno, Vidhuro, and Cakkhuma, which collectively explained 47.9% of the variance in leadership; and (3) the proposed leadership enhancement guidelines based on the Pāpaṇika Dhamma principles comprise: Cakkhuma, referring to the ability to make decisive decisions and act selflessly for the public good; Vidhuro, emphasizing expertise and continuous skill development in solid waste management; and Nissayasampanno, highlighting the importance of creating enabling spaces for citizens and multi-sectoral networks to participate meaningfully in waste management processes. Overall, the integration of Buddhist principles into local political leadership can contribute to more effective and sustainable solid waste management at the community level.