The aims of this research paper were: 1) to study the business administration based on the dhamma principles in Theravada Buddhism; 2) to study the business management of the malls in the current Thai society; 3) to study the model of business management of the malls based on dhamma principles in Theravada Buddhism. This study was conducted by using the qualitative research methodology by conducting the in-depth interviews of 26 targets including businessmen, malls’ administrators, malls’ staff and clients of the malls. The gathered data were analyzed by the descriptive analysis.

The research results were as follows:

The dhammas in Theravada Buddhism, used by the mall administrators included the four bases of social solidarity (saṅgahavatthu), four paths of accomplishment (iddhipāda) and the seven qualities of a good man (sappurisa-dhamma).
           Based on the study of the business administration and the business administration conditions of the department stores in Thai society at present, the shopping malls are the place to gather a wide range of products and services, integrated in the same place, consisting of department stores, shops, supermarkets, cinemas, food centers and parking services by focusing on products or services that can meet the needs of most consumers with the principles of consistency with customer need, consistency, equality, saving and convenience. The operation does not only focus on the pursuit of profit but also requires social responsibility. In addition, the business strategy will be applied by focusing on customer service which makes the business successful and sustainable until the present.
               The business management model of the malls according to Theravada Buddhism doctrines in the current Thai society: all three managers of the malls applied Sappurisa-dhamma as a model in lifestyle i.e. knowing the law, knowing the purpose, knowing oneself, knowing how to be temperate, knowing the proper time, knowing the society and knowing the individual in business. A model for self-management was Sangahavatthu i.e. dāna: giving, piyavācā: kindly speech, atthacariyā: useful conduct and samānattatā: even and equal treatment. A model for work management was Iddhipāda i.e. chanda: will, viriya: energy, citta: thoughtfulness and vīmaṁsā: investigation. From the application of Buddhism doctrines as a model in business management, it is positively beneficial to the malls.

 

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