Psychology of Life Conduct of Private Sector Executives According to Buddhist Philosophy

Buddhist psychological principles—the Middle Way, mindfulness, wisdom, and the Four Brahmaviharas—can systematically guide executive behavior, decision-making, and organizational leadership. The research identifies three core dimensions of Buddhist-informed executive life conduct: inner governance through mindfulness and self-regulation, relational conduct through compassionate leadership and ethical communication, and systemic wisdom through Right Livelihood and organizational purpose. The Four Noble Truths offer a comprehensive account of executive suffering and its transformation; the Noble Eightfold Path prescribes systematic ethical and psychological development aligned with leadership competencies; and the Four Brahmaviharas cultivate relational capacities essential to effective organizational leadership. A conceptual framework—the Buddhist Executive Psychology Model (BEPM)—synthesizes classical Buddhist teachings with modern organizational psychology for Thai and ASEAN corporate contexts.

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Abstract

This documentary research examines the psychology of life conduct among private sector executives through the lens of Buddhist philosophy. The study explores how Buddhist psychological principles—particularly the concepts of the Middle Way (Majjhimā Paṭipadā), mindfulness (Sati), wisdom (Paññā), and the Four Brahmaviharas—can systematically guide executive behavior, decision-making, and organizational leadership. The integration of Buddhist psychology with contemporary psychological frameworks such as positive psychology and cognitive-behavioral approaches reveals significant convergences in promoting mental well-being, ethical conduct, and resilient leadership. The research identifies three core dimensions of Buddhist-informed executive life conduct: (1) inner governance through mindfulness and self-regulation, (2) relational conduct through compassionate leadership and ethical communication, and (3) systemic wisdom through Right Livelihood and organizational purpose. Findings indicate that the Four Noble Truths (Ariya Sacca) offer a comprehensive phenomenological account of executive suffering and its transformation; the Noble Eightfold Path (Aṭṭhaṅgika Magga) prescribes systematic ethical and psychological development aligned with core leadership competencies; and the Four Brahmaviharas cultivate the relational capacities essential to effective organizational leadership. The study proposes a conceptual framework—the Buddhist Executive Psychology Model (BEPM)—synthesizing classical Buddhist teachings with modern organizational psychology to guide executive development in Thai and ASEAN corporate contexts. The BEPM is organized around three integrated dimensions: inner governance (mindfulness and ethical intention), relational wisdom (the Brahmaviharas in organizational relationships), and systemic purpose (Right Livelihood and interdependence). This research contributes to the growing literature on contemplative leadership, Buddhist psychology in applied settings, and the integration of Eastern philosophical traditions into management science and organizational behavior.