A Model of Community Leadership Development Based on the Four Bhavana Principles for Corruption Prevention in Ban Kham Sub-district, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province

Abstract

This research aimed to: (1) study the conditions of community leadership in Ban Kham Sub-district, Nam Phong District, Khon Kaen Province; (2) develop a community leadership development model based on the Four Bhavana Principles for corruption prevention; and (3) evaluate the appropriateness of the community leadership development model based on the Four Bhavana Principles for corruption prevention. A mixed-methods research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 16 key informants and a structured questionnaire administered to 398 respondents selected via simple random sampling. Data analysis was categorized by data type; qualitative data were analyzed using the 6C technique, whereas quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed that: 1) Community leaders had limitations in skills and knowledge, moral integrity, and governance principles, necessitating holistic development according to the Four Bhavana Principles. Key informants confirmed that the Four Bhavana Principles had the highest impact on corruption prevention, particularly Sila Bhavana regarding honesty and independence from influence. 2) The community leadership development model comprised four components: Kaya Bhavana, Sila Bhavana, Citta Bhavana, and Paññā Bhavana, synthesized as the PMEI MODEL (Physical, Moral, Emotional, Intellectual Development). Community members' overall agreement with the model was at a high level, with Moral Development rated highest. 3) Seven experts evaluated the model's validity, comprehensiveness, appropriateness, feasibility, and practicality at the highest level, with feasibility rated highest. The model demonstrates practical applicability for developing ethical community leadership and preventing corruption.