Indian Ethos in Management refers to the values and practices that the culture of India (Bharatheeya Sanskriti) can contribute to service, leadership and management. These values and practices are rooted in Sanathana Dharma (the eternal essence), and have been influenced by various strands of Indian philosophy.
Indian ethos for management means the application of principles of management as revealed in our ancient wisdom brought forth in our sacred books like our Gita, Upanishads, Bible and Quran.
The ancient Indian Education was basically aimed at personal growth of individual. Our education system is the oldest in the world and is having some qualities which are not there anywhere else in the world and we are proud of this. The aim of ancient Indian Education System was not only to give theoretical knowledge but to make an individual humble so that he can get ‘Mukti’. The ultimate aim of human society of that age was the achievement of absolute i.e. ‘Brahma’ it was prevailing in the entire visible world.
A man should engage himself in ‘Karmopasna’ i.e. work is worship and thus purity his inner senses and gain the absolute. The main aim of all the education during ancient period was to make the student useful and pious member of society. This was the second aim of education. This was achieved by proper development of moral feelings. It was believed that mere intellectual knowledge was not enough to become a learned fellow; in addition, the student must be pure in his life, thoughts and habits. This was the third main characteristic of Hindu Educational System. This was realized by encouraging self- confidence, fostering self-respect and self-restraint. Graduate students were highly inspired during convocation address to be useful member of the society. A graduate student was not to lead a self-centered life rather he was constantly remained of his obligations to the society. Social life in villages was very stable and well-ordered as education transformed people and made them conscious of their social duties and civic responsibilities. During the ancient period, Aryans evolved a peculiar system for promoting the progress of different art forms and professions. In the society, a particular caste was restricted to a particular occupation. Eventually, this system has resulted in general progress and happiness of society. In the ancient system of education this was one of the most important aims. People were very much conscious of their culture.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF INDIAN ETHOS FOR MANAGEMENT (IEM):
- Immense potential, energy and talents for perfection as human being has the spirit within his heart.
- Holistic approach indicating unity between the Divine (the Divine means perfection in knowledge, wisdom and power), individual self and the universe.
- Subtle, intangible subject and gross tangible objects are equally important. One must develop one’s Third Eye, Jnana Chaksu, the Eye of Wisdom, Vision, Insight and Foresight. Inner resources are much more powerful than outer resources. Divine virtues are inner resources. Capital, materials and plant & machinery are outer resources.
- Karma Yoga (selfless work) offers double benefits, private benefit in the form of self Purification and public benefit.
- Yogah Karmasu Kaushalam – Excellence at work through self-motivation and
Self development with devotion and without attachment. Co-operation is a powerful instrument for team work and success in any enterprise involving collective work. Principles of IEM are universally applicable. IEM can help develop an effective and holistic management pattern which will assure all round growth in productivity, marketing and profitability. This will help in synchronizing private and public benefits and encourage individuals to lead an enriched quality of life together with worldly achievements. The best form of management has to be holistic and value driven which is the objective of IEM.
Commendable Work