Developing competency model of Theravada Buddhist Monks in Thailand

Abstract

The sustainability of Buddhism in Thailand has been challenged from both internal and external factors. The problem has called for the Sangha actions in order for the monks to be able to perform their monastic roles more efficiently, to give services to lay people more fully and to win back their respect and faith in the Thai society. The question was “what are competencies for the monks in order to perform their six roles?” As a Buddhist human resource practitioner, the researcher saw the gap to which she could contribute. The research was designed from a view of pragmatist, based on grounded theory approach and used mixed method as research methodology. There were three main sequential steps with different data collection, samples, tools, analysis and the results of each step contributed to and were the input for the following steps. The survey took samples from 357 monks, derived by frequency analysis and produced the name list of the best practices (BPs) to be interviewed. The evidence-based competency interviews with 22 BPs were analyzed with thematic analysis with the use of Atlas.ti and generated the lists of role-based behaviors to be put in questionnaire and to be filtered by subject matter experts (SMEs). The last step was the Delphi technique with 28 panelists who assessed importance and impact of those behaviors and gave their inputs. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the filtered results were fine-tuned to make the concluding model. The outcome of the research was a competency model of Theravada Buddhist monks in Thailand emerged from the data grounded from the field. The model is comprised of two clusters: one of generic competencies and the other of functional competencies. The eight generic competencies - the critical and expected behaviors that the monks in all roles need to possess - include: 1) mastering Dhamma knowledge; 2) observing monastic conduct; 3) sustaining Buddhist longevity; 4) rightful execution; 5) authentic-modern integration; 6) mindful elevation; 7) faith building; and 8) relationship building. The six functional competencies - the specific behaviors that the monks that perform a particular role need to have - are: 1) Vinaya guarding; 2) Pali preserving; 3) purposeful orchestrating; 4) Dhamma disseminating; 5) appropriating artifacts; and 6) socially engaging. The results of this research emerged the competency model which can be the starting point for the individual monks to develop themselves toward or for the monastic organizations to ignite changes. In addition, the results indicated important and impacting behaviors that are for the monks to reflect and develop themselves even further.