A Psychological and Social Model For Human Resource Management: A Comparative Study of Buddhist and the Modern Management Concepts

Abstract

This study investigates the role of psychological and social behaviour in effective human resource management (HRM) and explores how principles derived from Theravāda Buddhist teachings can enhance current HRM practices. Emphasizing that human beings are the most critical asset in any organization, the research highlights the necessity of understanding diverse personality types across physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions. Drawing upon Abhidhammic literature, the study underscores the primacy of the mental aspect in shaping behaviour and proposes a Buddhist-informed HRM model centred on morality (sīla) and meditation (bhāvanā). This model aims to cultivate moral conduct, mental concentration, and the transformation of latent dispositions. The research also reviews previous academic contributions that have examined Buddhism in relation to HRM, offering a comparative analysis that reinforces the relevance of Buddhist philosophy to contemporary organizational practices. Within this framework, motivation and the role of the HR manager are reinterpreted through a Buddhist lens, advocating for the internal development of employees through ethical and meditative practices. A survey was conducted to evaluate the practical application of the proposed model. Results support its feasibility and effectiveness in managing psychological factors, improving employee performance, and contributing to organizational and stakeholder success. Findings suggest that meditation and moral conduct serve as effective tools for emotional regulation and performance enhancement, underscoring the value of integrating Buddhist perspectives into HRM. This interdisciplinary approach contributes to both HRM theory and Buddhist studies, offering a novel framework for ethical and psychological development within organizational contexts.