The purposes of the present study aimed at examining 1) desired leadership qualities according to Buddhism; 2) desired leadership qualities according to Islam; and 3) integrated principles of leadership qualities according to Buddhism and Islam. Research Methodology ; The documentary analysis was applied to investigate leadership qualities based on theory of Western ideology, Buddhism, and Islam, including Tripitaka, The Holy Quran, Al Hadith (a report of deeds and sayings of the prophet Muhammad S.W.) books, textbooks, documents and related research studies. In the mean while in-depth interview was also used to obtain the qualitative data from three groups of key informants consisting of 3 Buddhist scholars, 3 Islamic scholars and 4 organizational leaders. At this stage, the content analysis technique was used in line with the information structured in the interview and some obtained from observation.
The findings revealed that both Buddhism and Islam share basic principles in common that every human being is as such equal in relation to truth, justice, goodness and rationalism which includes widely-accepted opinions with prudential consideration. Everybody who was born in this world, regardless of their race, language and nationality is equal as human being. Liberty is literally desirable for everybody and basic human right should not be taken away from anybody. In addition, Buddhism and Islam put a great emphasis on governance and power built upon religiously-oriented justice and rationalism. Rulers and their followers are combined with the same brotherhood. In power exercising, the two religions view that it should always be driven by Dhamma principles, applying good governance which will eventually lead to a peaceful community. In order to succeed, an organization needs a good management. A leader and members of the organization must be committed to individual responsibilities and obey the channel of command strictly so as to sustainably achieve their organizational goal together.
On the one hand, Buddhism leadership characteristics and qualities according to the Buddha, he led his followers and all mankind to be free of misery complying themselves with Buddha’s enlighten guidelines with virtue, concentration and intellect. Buddhism is introduced to the practice and procedure in order to attain enlightenment. No happiness is equal letting oneself on and maintaining their composure in the whole body, speech and mind. The Buddha has introduced Dhamma-oriented democracy referring to the Dhamma-based governance which essentially accounts for righteousness, brotherhood and equality to lead to organizational success. He has conferred the Dhamma and the Vinaya as heritage to the world and all mankind.
On the other hand, Islam leadership characteristics and qualities according to the prophet Muhammad (S.W.), he has been a role model for desired leadership qualities to all Muslims. It was found that the prophet possessed perfect personalities as a leader to all mankind and a trustworthy messenger from his God. As a model for all Muslims, he was also a great social worker who was admired with sublime morality and his sincerity. He was always able to control himself and made other people happy. His life and practice is an important key which can reflect the truth about his high morality set as good example for all mankind to follow at all places and times. Therefore, Islam is regarded as belief and way of life in which it covers all aspects of human life starting from the first day one is born until the day he or she dies. Every preaching in Islam ranging from personal issues, family concerns, social to national matters is included in the Holy Quran and life, as a model, of the prophet Muhammad (S.W.).
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