Abstract
Organizational Behavior (OB) is one of the hot topics discussed in modern management and recognized as one of the most important factors for success of any organization. The interface between the behavior of individuals and the organization is known as the OB and it is the field of study devoted to understanding, explaining and ultimately improving the attitude and behavior of individuals and groups in organizations. In this connection the researcher has developed an OB model based on contemporary management thoughts. The aim of the research is to study the concepts relating to organizational behavior and compare Buddhist approach to organizational behavior based on canonical sources. The Buddhist teaching did not much focus on presenting very complex theories on human behavior like contemporary Western scholars who have developed various theories and models to interpret human behavior. Nevertheless the Buddhist doctrine was of more practical nature which addressed all the issues of human behavior of both laymen and disciples. The existence of the order of Saṅgha which is considered to be the oldest democratic organization in the world for more than 2500 years shows the soundness of the organization structure and the philosophy on which it was built. When studying the monastic order and the monastic discipline in depth one could understand the management skills of the Buddha and how He had applied Buddhist teachings in managing the monastic order. Thus the Buddhist approach to Organizational Behavior is well elaborated in the Vinayapiṭaka. Similarly the Buddhist teaching was focused on wellbeing of the family and the behavior of individuals. Sigālovādasutta alone can be considered as one of the most significant discourses for guiding the behavior of laymen. Similarly Parābava and Maṅgala are a few of the many suttas addressed almost all the issues one would come across in the family. As most of the economic activities are family based, behavior of the individuals and their traits such as attitudes, values, ethics and emotions had much impact on the economy and the society at large during that period. There are many discourses in the Suttapiṭaka which had clearly defined ways and means to change the behavior of individuals and disciplined them with firm changes in individual traits. It is interesting to note that some of the issues addressed by the United Nations to safeguard human rights had been identified and addressed through the pañcasīla and solutions for the most of the Sustainable Development Goals presented under ‘the 2030 Agenda’ too had been provided by the Buddha 2500 years ago. When studying the Canonical sources especially the Suttapiṭaka and Vinayapiṭaka with a view to compare the Buddhist perspective on organizational behavior against the contemporary management thoughts, it is evident that the Buddhist approach results in a permanent improvement in human behavior and the organization.Keywords: Contemporary Management, Organizational Behavior, Individual Traits, Monastic Order, Canonical Sources
Highlights
Today all business organizations are profit oriented
Being a country with over 70% Buddhists, it is of paramount importance to compare the Buddhist approach to organizational behavior with contemporary management with a view to see the possibility of applying some of the Buddhist principles in this area for the sustainable development of the country
All technological developments and advancement of science are aimed at accelerating material progress. In this context measures taken to develop people and improve human behavior has not got the attention of the authorities, nor received the equal treatment given to other areas such as economic and infrastrucuture development
Summary
Today all business organizations are profit oriented. The Nobel Prize-winning economist Milton Friedman (1970)[1] once stated business’ sole responsibility is "to use its resources to increase its profits.” With the rapid growth in international trade and emergence of a global economy business firms operate in a challenging business environment. The rapid change is backed up by the rapidly expanding technology, the information technology and media. These developments are so fast and the entire world is considered as a global village with no boundaries. The dynamic organizations are making serious efforts to keep abreast with developments in the changing business environment while many conservative ventures are failing. With the introduction of liberalized economic policy in late 70’s, Sri Lankan business environment too has changed significantly during the past four decades. Many multinational organizations established their business in Sri Lanka and in the meantime local companies ventured into international markets. Organizations are very concerned about their employees and human resource has become the most important resource in the organizations. In this context management in general and Human Resource Management (HRM) especially play a major role in organizational success. (Kochan & Dyer 19923, Idowu 20124; Ali 2013)[5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
