A Comparative Study on the Leadership and Managerial Characteristics of Rāma and Rāwanā

Abstract

Rāmāyana is one of the ancient narratives in Indian philosophy. It is based on the story of the Prince Rāma. Leadership is the process that leaders should follow by mapping out where the organization has to be led in order to achieve organizational goals as a team with the employees of the organization. Transformational leadership is defined as the process followed by leaders to create an inspiring mission about the future of the organization, motivates employees to achieve that mission and building a team to achieve the vision. Positive development, encouraging employees to give priority to common goals rather than personal interests, giving freedom of choice and emphasizing the importance of moral standards are other characteristics of transformational leadership. The research problem in this study is to examine whether ancient Indian philosophy could contribute to improve the effectiveness of management. The objective of this study is to identify the roles of managers; one can choose to be either a Rāwanā who encourages employees to the perils or a Rāma who trusts the employees and their potential. Textual analysis is used as the methodology of this study. Rescuing Sītā was a huge task. The way that he formed the Vānara army, the way he led them towards achieving his goal, forming a vision, setting objectives, SWOT analysis can be found in the character of Rāma. The character of Rāwanā has some characteristics that can be used for an effective management. He was an excellent warrior, a great ruler and a scholar, although he was the anti-hero in the Rāmāyana.