(GIST OF YOJANA) EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: A BUDDHIST APPROACH

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Online Course

(GIST OF YOJANA) EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: A BUDDHIST APPROACH

(JANUARY-2025)

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION: A BUDDHIST APPROACH

Introduction

Emotional Intelligence (EI) plays a crucial role in successful public management as the decisions made in this area have far-reaching effects on society as a whole. EI involves self-awareness, empathy, and the capability to regulate emotions, essential for nurturing trust, collaboration, and ethical leadership. A refined approach to EI resonates significantly with Buddhist principles, which highlight emotional regulation, mindfulness, and virtuous living. This connection provides valuable guidance for public managers addressing intricate societal issues.

Emotional Intelligence in Public Management

Importance of EI in Governance: Public management is fundamentally focused on people, necessitating that administrators interact with empathy towards various groups. EI enhances communication, bolsters public confidence, and guarantees fair decision-making.

Core Aspects of EI for Administrators:

Self-awareness: Recognizing one’s emotional triggers to prevent biased judgments.
Empathy: Responding to citizens’ issues with care and fairness.
Emotion Regulation: Sustaining composure during stressful situations.

Function of EI in Democratic Leadership:

Encourages common values and inclusivity.
Empowers public managers to mediate disputes and cultivate collaboration among parties.

Buddhist Insights on Emotional Intelligence

Exploring the Mind: Buddhist teachings analyze the essence of emotions, their sources, and their influence on actions. The Abhidharma Samuccaya categorizes emotions as virtuous (kusala) or non-virtuous (akusala), guiding emotional governance.
Origins of Mental Disturbances: Six fundamental disturbances: attachment, anger, pride, ignorance, doubt, and skewed perspectives (klesa). These disturbances disrupt mental balance, obstructing rational decision-making.

Mitigating Negative Emotions:

Mindfulness and Meta-awareness: Nurturing awareness of thoughts and feelings.
Compassion and Wisdom: Prioritizing altruism and clarity in decision-making.

Buddhist Practices for EI in Public Management

Cultivating Equanimity: Tackling the eight worldly concerns: gain and loss, esteem and disrespect, joy and sorrow, acclaim and censure. Maintaining a balance of these feelings prevents biased and self-serving actions.

Practical Applications:

Limiting Desires: Finding contentment with limited resources to promote ethical choices.
Self-reflection: Regularly assessing one’s actions to nurture gratitude and modesty.
Embracing Change: Accepting inevitable outcomes with a calm mindset.

Significance of Buddhist Teachings in Public Management

Mindful Decision-Making: Urges administrators to prioritize long-term societal well-being over immediate benefits.
Dispute Resolution: Encourages understanding and compassion to effectively resolve conflicts.
Sustainable Leadership: Promotes resilience and adaptability in tackling contemporary governance challenges.

Conclusion

The integration of emotional intelligence with Buddhist philosophies offers a strong foundation for ethical and effective public management. By promoting mindfulness, compassion, and equanimity, administrators can enhance their service to society while ensuring their personal well-being. The Buddhist focus on self-control and ethical conduct helps public managers remain balanced, empathetic, and equipped to deal with the complexities of governance.