J. Krishnamurti and the Practice of Management

Abstract

J Krishnamurti is widely regarded as one of the leading thinkers of our time. He attracted world-wide attention in the 1920s when he declined to accept the global leadership of the theosophical movement conferred on him by the leading lights of that movement at the time. Since then, until his death in 1984, he expounded through lectures and books his rather unorthodox views on religion and spirituality. While his views are generally unconventional, his core message, as developed in the following sections, seems to have strong roots in individual and social psychology. And it might, for that reason, be of some relevance to the practice of management. As Peter Drucker points out management has become a crucial activity in modern society. And quality of management has emerged as a critical factor in the success of families, businesses, non-profit organisations, communities and nations. This paper attempts to explore the relevance of Krishnamurti's message to the practice of management. The paper is exploratory rather than prescriptive in nature and its purpose is mainly to stimulate a debate on the subject rather than to offer any firm conclusions.