ABSTRACT

The objectives of this research are 1) to study the desirable characteristics of subdistrict chief abbot as perceived by abbots and the secretarial monks in Nakhon Pathom province, 2) to compare the desirable characteristics of subdistrict chief abbot as perceived by abbots and the secretarial monks in Nakhon Pathom province, and 3) to study the problems, obstacles and suggestions about desirable characteristics of subdistrict chief abbot as perceived by abbots and the secretarial monks in Nakhon Pathom province This research was Mixed Method Research by using quantitative research methods and survey research methods and qualitative research. Data was collected by in-depth interviews.

                The sample used in this study consisted of the abbot and the secretarial monks in Nakhon Pathom province, which used a random sample of 200 (Cluster Sampling). The tool used was a questionnaire. There is a check list with five levels    (1-5) Likert Scale, and open-ended questionnaire. These tools were created by the researcher. The reliability was 0.960. Consist of the problems analyzed by using the frequency distribution, percentage, the average (Mean) and standard deviation (Standard Deviation) and the testing assumption (t-test).

            The findings of the research are as follows:

               1) Desirable characteristics of the subdistrict chief abbot as perceived by abbots and the secretarial monks were; overall level (= 4.03), and considering the level was at the high level for all four parts, including the part with the highest average which was Practical part (= 4.11), followed by Leadership (= 4.03) and the lowest with an average knowledge of education and training (= 3.98).

          2)  Desirable characteristics of the subdistrict chief abbot as perceived by abbots and the secretarial monks in Nakhon Pathom province had no difference overall which did not conform to the hypothesis. This was probably because abbots and secretarial monks must have been practising and following their duties to be baptized 227 in the same clause.

               3) The majority problem was the subdistrict chief abbot as perceived by abbots and the secretarial monks in Nakhon Pathom province, was an unreliable leader with incapable of giving any suggestions to other people. Moreover, the leader lacked of knowledge, so he was not able to train others, as well as having no qualifications to be suitable for a good leader.

                4) The feedback and suggestions from the research on the subdistrict chief abbot as perceived by abbots and the secretarial monks in Nakhon Pathom province found that the patriarch should improve in knowledge.  He needed to have better and more education, training and to develop of his staff as always. He also should be able to use innovation and technology and should organize more training to monks in his district. In addition he should help the government agencies as much as he could.

                5) According with the regulation, the patriarch must have good knowledge and be capable in his duties and functions, be a rational person and be able to give suggestions and guide the right things to his subordinates in order to work well together.