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Introduction:
India is known for its ethical values for a very long period of time. The application of Indian
values is called Indianism. Indian values have become universal and a number of multinational
corporations have been incorporating Indian ethical practices.
The famous poet Kalidasa in his Raghuvamsam describes Aja Maharaja's behaviour as follows:
"The king's behaviour was such that each of his subjects thought that he alone was very dear or
close to the king".
This idea can be applied to a modern manager in order to keep his organisation in a most efficient
way. Such a type of relationship can bring better team spirit.
According to Indian ethos, a manager should be a sattavic personality. The sattavic personality is
summed up by Bhagawat Gita in the following words:
"Liberated from attachment, not uttering 'I', endowed with the power to sustain and enthuse,
unaffected in fulfillment or failure, such an actor is said to be sattavic.
Though it is difficult to have such a type of personality, the managers can come forward to
practice some of these good qualities. We have to believe that practice can make perfect.
Meaning of Shastras:
Shastras provide guidance for right living and not for immediate pleasure. The Shastras provide
ways and means of self control. There are two root words of Shastra, Shashan which means rules
and regulations and Trayate which refers to saver and protector. The sources of Shastras are the
Shruti.
Shruti means the Vedanta. Shrutis are eternal and immortal.
Shruti has an excellent concept of self. In each individual there is Poornatwa and Ananda. It is not
felt by the super-imposed egos. By patient enquiry one can find this bliss (ANANDA).
Laws of punishment:
Indian ethics is not an all compromising ethics. It has also prescribed good methods for reducing
evils by offering rules for punishment.
1) Punishment is the protector of all creatures.
2) Punishment is to be inflicted justly.
3) Without punishment of the guilty, the stronger would roast the weaker.
4) The whole world is kept in order by punishment, for a guiltless man is hard to find.
Hence punishment is sanctified.
Indian ethos suggests that all great undertakings are achieved through mighty obstacle. Vedanta
views the life of man in its wholeness. Indian ethos contains both secular and spiritual.
The Mahabharata says Dharma is "that which holds together, that which sustains, all human
beings".
Hence Dharma is giving a lot of importance to team spirit and cohesiveness.
Work efficiencv:
The Chandagya Upanishad which was written more than four thousand years ago has defined
work efficiency:
"Whatever work is done with Vidya (knowledge) through Sraddha (faith) and backed by
Upanishad (meditation) that alone becomes most effective".
When we do any work, we should not think of anything beyond. Work should be done as the
highest form of worship and devote our whole life to do the job in hand for the time being.
In this connection, Swami Vivekananda says, "Life is short: Give it up to a great cause, arise,
awake, and stop not till the goal is reached".
Many are having opinions. Only a few have convictions. The convictions are the mothers of great
deeds.
In Indian ethos suggest the growth of positive, strong and helpful thoughts to enter into the brains
from childhood. The employee loyalty is the key for achieving the goal.
The Greek consider man as a 'political animal' socialists consider man as a 'social animal'. The
Americans consider man as a 'tool making animal' whereas Indian ethos considers man as a
"divine being".
Swami Vivekananda has given a holistic approach to human resources management by the
following positive formula:
Love begets love
Hatred begets hatred
Trust begets trust
Gratitude begets gratitude
Respect begets respect
Empowerment begets responsible productivity
Chakraborthv Model
Prof. Chakraborthy, a famous professor of Indian ethics has suggested an ethical model for
business, called Rajarishi model.
Gita on management:
Bhagawad Gita means "song of the Lord". The following ideas deal with ethical management in
Gita:
1) Business should be done on the basis of "Dharma" which means "sacred duty". Dharma
means "that which sustains".
2) Action should be performed without attachment to the fruit of action. Then action should be
disciplined action.
3) Three gunas, Sattva (lucidity), Rajos (passion) and Tamas (dark inertia) are available in
nature. A good business manager should encourage Sattva qualities.
4) One should not be a coward in times of crisis. The coward is ignoble, shameful, foreign to
the kingdom of God and away from Heaven.
5) Timely decisions have to be taken in a quick manner and to be complemented. One should
develop the courage and conviction to face the consequences of the decision taken.
6) Performing one's duty is more sacred than any other thing in this world.
7) Inner strength is of great value for any businessman. He has to take important decisions,
borrow, invest, diversify his business and undertake a calculated risk.
8) Constant and continuous engagement in the duty or business can save anyone from
unnecessary fear and worry.
9) Desire, anger and greed are the three gates of hell for any person.
10) Human mind is unsteady and hard to hold. But practice and dispassion can restrain it.
Krishna tells Arjuna that any man who acts with honour cannot go the wrong way.
Summary
Indian values have become universal and a number of multinational corporations have been
incorporating Indian ethical practices like yoga and meditation.
Features of Kautilya's Arthasastra tradition.
Vedas and ethics.
Shastras - Laws of punishment - work efficiency.
Holistic approach of Swami Vivekananda.
Chakraborthy model.
Meditation and yoga.
Ideas of Gita on management.
Questions
Section 'A'
1) What are Indian values?
2) Define a holistic approach.
3) How can yoga promote ethical practices?
Section 'B'
1) What are the features of Arthasastra on ethical management?
2) Discussthe ethical ideas of ideas of Vedas.
3) Discussthe features of Rajarishi model.
4) What are the ideas of Gita on management?
Section 'e'
1) Examine the Indian ethical values applicable to modern business. Suggest the methods for
the implementation of these values in a modern MNC.