The Institution of Zhung Dratshang of Bhutan: Setting the Stage for Future Research and Lacunae in Buddhist Governance and Public Administration

Abstract

Many non-Western countries are facing challenges whilst implementing public sector reforms as most of these reforms are designed to suit public administrative systems based on Western models of governance and public administration. Based on the experiences of the Zhung Dratshang, which functions as the central monastic body of Bhutan, this study provides a basis to develop a research agenda on the relatively understudied area of Buddhist governance and public administration. Established in the 1600s, the Zhung Dratshang played a central role in Bhutan’s governance for close to four centuries. By examining its organisational structure and the career pathways, we suggest three main approaches towards enhancing knowledge in the field of public administration based on the institution of Zhung Drathsang in Bhutan. These three approaches are: Buddhist values-based, sangha-based and dharma-raja (or dhammaraja)-based approaches. Such an analysis will provide an insight into the relevance of Buddhist values and principles of organisation to the field of Non-Western Public Administration.