Application of Indian Ethos to Management

 

Ethical behaviour is important for a man. When a man goes down in ethical values, he will have no use  his money or his relatives and he has no reason to live. Ethics was and is a traditional subject in India. Vedantic ethics had spiritual approach, which is summed up in its entirety (what you do not wish unto you do not do it to others). Business ethics is a new branch of study giving ethic plus business combination in decision making processes in industry and commerce.

Indian ethos was introduced in daily walk of life for everyone by various methods. Religious teachings, listening to Puranas, Kathas, Bhajans, Yoga, Pooja, Yagas and the like are some examples where these remind time and again the essence of ethical behavior in a society. Over the centuries many of these became mechanical and ritualistic and lost the ethical touch in them.

Two religions which had their origins in India are Jainism and Buddhism that  stress the ethical behavior and non-violence in more stringent manner to the society. In fact ‘The Digambar’ sect of Jainism advocated no attachments of possession to any worldly goods.

Indian ethos provides that "Business‟ need not be regarded evil, tainted and unethical. Business is sacred. It is a matter of attitude, approach and level of management consciousness. One can do  business, make money, earn profit, build up property and even then it can be managed with due recognition to human and ethical values and respecting all persons in the enterprise and in the society as human beings. Indian ethos demands subjective management system, giving due importance to virtues like compassion, honesty, co-operation

Teaching from Major Indian Scriptures of Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita are summarised below:

Teaching from other Major Indian Scriptures of Ramayana, Buddhism and Pathanjali Yoga are summarised below:

The important Vedantic values in Indian society valid even today are:

i.              Showing respect to elders specially teachers

ii.            Not showing emotion outward

iii.          God fear in all walks of life. In any function Pooja or offering to God is made first before the work begins.

iv.        Marriage is made in heaven and is considered lifelong bond. Some consider it as bond even after death.

v.            In recent years Indian household look western. These are outward looks, whereas the Vedantic culture flews in hearts and actions. Similarly Indian ethos had many changes when foreigners ruled India for many centuries but Vedantic identify and ethos remained intact.

vi.             Internal orientation towards work as worship.

vii.      Mahabharata sums up importance of ethical behaviour in a sloka " Ma Falesthu Kadachana" meaning do your duty and do not think about its rewards

Managerial effectiveness under Indian Ethos in Management

The managerial effectiveness under Indian ethos in management can be understood from a comparison of components of decision making elements in the Indian and western systems as follows:

some additional aspects are also given below:

Business Ethos principles practiced by Indian Companies

Some of the business ethos principles, practiced by Indian companies are listed below

1. Principle of `sacrifice’ An individual is trained by the principle of `sacrifice’ through the process of `give and take’ policy. A person, who is willing to sacrifice part of his bread or effort, commands a superior place in the organization.

2. Principle of `harmony’ An individual is trained in such a way that to avoid conflicts and friction one should be guided by certain set of moral conducts and principles.

3. Principle of `non-violence’ This principle protects an organization from strikes and lockouts and unnecessary avoidable conflicts. Indian companies are guided by certain rules of conduct in the form of ethical and moral standards.

4. Principle of `reward’ The one who performs well are encouraged to do so. This implies that the activities of individuals need to be monitored and encouragement in the form of `rewards’ may cultivate the spirit of higher productivity among groups.

5. Principle of `justice’ The one who works hard is `rewarded’ and the one who fails to do so is `punished’. This is essence the principle of Justice.

 6. Principle of `taxation’ The one who is taxed more is encouraged to stay fit for a longer period by proper appreciation and encouragement. This principle applies to individuals who are hardworking and productive.

7. Principle of `Integrity’ An integrated mind is more productive. Groups are encouraged to stay united in order to reap the benefits of division of labour.

Some of the important ethical lessons are:

1. Foundation for a healthy business is sound morals and ethics.

2. For managers to be good decision makers and to stand up to temptation and pressures, he should have his own peace of mind, strength of will and ethics.

3. Selfishness and greed are source of evil that reduces ethical standards in an organisation.

4. Ethical levels should be built up from top down to curb lies, hurting, cheating or unethical acts.