Abstract:
This research aimed to: (1) examine the personnel competency development level of Thai Life Insurance Public Company Limited, Regional Expansion Office 107, San Pa Tong Branch, Makham Luang Subdistrict, Chiang Mai Province; (2) investigate the relationship between Buddhist principles and personnel competency development; and (3) propose a model for Buddhist-integrated personnel competency development. The research methodology is a mixed methods research approach, consisting of: 1) quantitative research conducted by collecting data from 109 personnels of Thai Life Insurance Public Company Limited, Regional Expansion Office 107, San Pa Tong Branch. The sample size was determined using Taro Yamane's formula at a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 0.05, resulting in a sample of 86 people. The data collection instrument was a 5-level Likert scale questionnaire. The statistical methods used for data analysis included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's Correlation Coefficient: 2) qualitative research conducted through in-depth interviews with 10 key informants to analyze and synthesize approaches to developing personnel competencies based on an integrated Buddhist approach.
The research findings found that:
1. The overall level of personnel competency development of Thai Life Insurance Public Company Limited was high. Considering each aspect individually, the aspect of self-development and unwavering dedication to work had the highest average score, followed by knowledge and understanding of the life insurance business, utmost assistance and willingness to serve customers, and the development of professional knowledge and skills, respectively. Briefly, all aspects were at a high level.
2. The overall level of integrated Buddhist competency development based on Bala 4 (the Four Power) was high. Considering each dimension individually, Viriya- bala(the power of diligence) had the highest mean score, followed by Anavajja-bala(the power of faultlessness), Saṅgaha-bala (the power of sympathy), and Paññā-bala(the power of wisdom), respectively. Briefly, all aspects were at a high level.
3. The relationship between Buddhist principles and personnel competency development showed a moderate to high level of correlation (r = .601**) between Buddhist principles and personnel competency development, with statistical significance. This indicates that as the level of adherence to Bala 4 (the Four Power) increased, the work competency level of personnel also tended to increase in the same direction.
4. Integrated Buddhist approach to personnel competency development: This approach should focus on continuous development of product and regulatory knowledge and skills, promoting the use of data and technology in work analysis, fostering a team-oriented work culture, cultivating diligence, integrity, and a service-oriented mindset, and establishing transparent service standards with systematic monitoring to enhance organizational trust and sustainability.