Teachings from Indian Management: The Spirit of Selfless Service

Abstract

Increasingly , a need has emerged to justify the relevance of Indian Management in today’s organisational context and the search toexplore how the Indian shastras , containing the universal and spiritual values of mankind , can help in creating the value based Managersand enlightened leaders who can shape the environment, systems and organisations, where people can work together in joy, offering theirbest for the good of the society , not in competition and tension but in the spirit of camaraderie and bonhomie. The author has clearly triedto bring out that according to Indian Management the concept of work does not merely revolve around meeting our basic needs (food,clothing and shelter) but also it is our opportunity to grow towards infinite perfection and joy. Through attending various conferences andseminars, the author is of the conviction that Indian Shastras have a lot to contribute for managerial processes like Human ResourceManagement, Leadership, productivity, motivation, self -development, organisational effectiveness, corporate governance etc. Theauthor is of the opinion that understanding the Indian behaviour and ethos will help us to come out with an approach and right kind ofManagement style to create harmony and industrial peace. Through this research paper the author has tried to establish relevance ofIndian Management and tried to explain how the work ideals can be applied and have been successfully applied for improved individualproductivity and organisational effectiveness. The author feels privileged to present this bouquet of universal values and ideals to thepractising modern Managers and industry leaders, marked with a a flavour of Indian Wisdom so that in and through excellence in ourwork , we may develop and grow and achieve the penultimate goal of our personal and professional life.Design/methodology/approach: Based on literature review and the contemporary work done the most critical need today in businessleadership is a new kind of leader: authentic leader- and the Indian Management approach can serve as a platform in evaluating theleadership traits and competencies. The efforts involved in evolving and implementing the Indian Management strategies are outlinedthat can be used in developing and inculcating a new culture for leader development and leadership readiness.Findings: The Indian Management approach can pave a new pathway to the corporate culture and is depicted as a means for gauging andevaluating the existing leadership pipeline in an organisation revolving around the scope of this work.Practical implications: Indian Management concepts can help organisations achieve the mission critical goals- helping its leaders tosustain and succeed in uncertain business environment leveraging through the organisational competencies – unleashing the unlimitedpotential.Originality/value: An original piece of work, this research paper can be of immense value not only for the academicians but also for theHR and Talent Development professionals, more in terms of identifying, nurturing and developing vibrant business leaders and thinkersof tomorrow.Keywords: Indian Management, Ethos, Spirituality, Managerial Effectiveness, Models, Systems