Buddhism and Systems Thinking: A Conceptual Framework for Management Actions in Thailand

Abstract

One of the main themes in western management education today, systems thinking, shares many similarities with a centuries old practice in Thailand: Buddhism. It is this link that I hope to draw a clearer set of management practices for Thai managers who continue to rely on connections and opinions to run their companies.  The focus of this paper is to draw Buddhism and systems thinking into a cohesive decision-making model that Thai managers can use in their organizations. This model is grounded in traditions that are part of the Thai culture, and thus, are not as foreign as they may appear. After a brief description of systems thinking and Buddhism, this paper will draw comparisons between the main "teachings” of each and how these teachings form a more focused viewpoint and decision-making approach that will help Thai managers overcome many of the self-imposed and environmental obstacles they face. Areas such as Management and employees interactions, the view employees old of management, and leadership roles are all addressed through Buddhism and systems thinking in this paper. Also, this paper will examine the nature of workflows and the impact this new thinking will have on a manger in this area.  Finally, conclusions will be reached as to the various areas this hybrid system will affect and the outcomes that can be expected from its implementation as well as keys to successful implementation.