Indian ethos

Concept,

 Components of Indian Ethos

 Principles of Indian Ethos

Teaching from major Indian Scriptures,

Application of Indian Ethos to

Management
Quality of work life and Indian
Ethos
 ETHOS
Oxford defines ethos as :
“The characteristic Spirit and Beliefs of
community/ people” which distinguishes one
culture from the other.
Indian ethos is drawn from the Vedas, the
Ramayana, Mahabharat, the Bhagwadgita, and
Upnishads.
 Ethos vs. Ethics

Ethos is a discipline that examines one’s morality or the

moral standard of the society.
Where as ;
Ethics means expected standards in terms of your personal
and social welfare. It includes honesty, morality,
responsibility etc.
 Indian Ethos in Management

'Indian Ethos in Management' refers to the values and

practices that the culture of India (Bharatheeya Samskriti)
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.
What is Indian Ethos For Management?

It means application of principles of management revealed in our ancient wisdom

described in Upanishades and Gita. The following basic principles of management are
as per ancient Indian Wisdom and Insight :
– Each Soul is a Potential God
– Holistic Approach
– Equal Importance to Subjectivity/ Objectivity
– Karma Yoga (selfless work)
Each Soul is a Potential God
A human being has a soul, a spark of Divine. The Divide resides in the heart of a person. The Divine means perfection in
knowledge, wisdom and power. Therefore, a human being has immense potential power or energy for selfdevelopment.
The partnership of God and Man can bring about extraordinary or miraculous result. Indian wisdom indicates that
productivity of human being is more important than plant capacity. Hence, management is helping ordinary people to
produce extraordinary results.

Holistic Approach
Holistic approach in Management is based on spiritual principle of unity, oneness, non-dual or Advaita concept. Under
this principle of unity, the universe is an undivided whole where every particle is connected with every other particle.
Hence, entire Humanity is ONE. Management must recognise Oneness of Humanity. Respect the Divine in all beings.
Equal Importance to Subjectivity/Objectivity
Indian ethos for management distinguish subject and object. Subject is subtle and intangible. Object is gross or
concrete, and tangible or invisible. Human and ethical values or qualities such as courage, vision, social awareness,
fearlessness and clear mind, truth, etc are subjective, subtle and intangible concept. These represents divine wealth.
Inner resource of human being are more powerful than external resources. Eg- Japan could prosper in industry,
business and trade due to optimum utilization of inner resources. Japan does not have coal, mineral and petroleum.
‘Creator is subjective. Creation is objective’. Therefore, manager must develop third eye, the eye of vision,
intuition, foresight and such other divine qualities or values. This is the essence of Indian ethos for management.

Karma Yoga (selfless work)

It is yoga of moral endeavor, self-less service to others. It brings about union of human being with the Divine. Work
is done as worship to the Divine in human beings who is also all pervading in the universe(which is just a projection
of the Divine). Gita evolves moral and ethical theory of human conduct and expounds the art of right living- the
doctrine of duty with discipline and devotion without attachment to work and agency. Do your duty without ego and
without calculations of gain or loss. Let not the fruit of action motivate you. Let not the fruits divert your
concentration on work. Pour your heart and soul in the performance of your assigned duty. Concentrate your
attention only on your present job.
 Components of Indian ethos
Indian believe:
• 1. Ego sublimation rather than ego assertion
• 2. Sacrificing spirit rather than fighting spirit
• 3. Team achievement rather than individual achievement
• 4. Spiritual attainment rather than material prosperity
• 5. Self control rather than outside control
• 6. Concept of duties rather than concept of rights
• 7. Yielding rather than dominating
• 8. Concern for this age world and improvement
• 9. Respect for and search for all truth whatever be its source
Need of the Indian ethos
Management attitude

Humanizing organization

Interiorizing (self) Mgt.

Self introspection

Brain stilling

Stepping back

Self dynamising meditation

Role of intuition (feeling)

Management attitude:
Top management must have firm belief in values-oriented holistic management of business. The management is
called upon to meet expectations of all stakeholders, e.g., employees, customers, citizens and shareholders and
fulfill the social responsibility. Profit is earned through service and satisfaction of all these interested parties

Humanizing organization:
There are three aspects of humane organisation : 1. Inter-personal relations 2. Man- machine equation and 3.
Inner management- mental and spiritual. An organisation can create best inter-personal relations based on
promotion from within, equality, autonomy, self-esteem and fraternal affection. Unity, harmony and effective
communication can assure team spirit and team work in an organisation.

Interiorizing (self) management:

Self management: The manager is first a man and then a manager. The manager should first learn to manage
and control himself. Without selfmanagement and control, how can he manage and control others? The first
need is to understand and know himself. This is a course in the subjective system of management.
Self introspection
We have to embark upon self-study, self analysis and self criticism to locate areas of
friction and disharmony. We should prepare a balance sheet of our own strengths and
weaknesses. our mind and heart may indicate weak spots. By regular introspection we
would find out solution to problem so that the concerned parts of our being can be
persuaded and guided to play the desired role.
Brain stilling (Decision-making in silence)

The western management resorts to brain-storming, i.e., loud thinking by

managers for decisions to solve management problems. The Indian insight
advocates a better alternative in the form of brain-stilling. For rational and
enduring decisions, silent mind is a much more effective medium to get
sound and lasting solution to all management problems. By this method
the manager and his employees come into contacts with the inner mind or
higher consciousness for arriving at proper solution to their
Stepping back
The stepping back or drawing back into yourself is another device of learning to go deep
within and look; you can remain quiet and call on the inner consciousness force and wait
for a while for an answer. Then you know exactly what to do. Remember therefore, that
you cannot receive the answer before you are very peaceful. The stepping back from a
situation for a while enables you to control and even master the situation. When you have
a problem to solve, when you are caught in a difficulty, try this method. ‘Never decide
anything, never speak a word, never throw yourself into action without stepping-back.’
Self dynamising meditation
A dynamic meditation is meditation of transforming of lower consciousness into
higher consciousness. Hence we call it transforming meditation. It opens the third
eye of wisdom through insight. Through meditation, in a silent and calm mind,
you are able to contact this centre or higher consciousness. This is called
consciousness approach to management, a process of ‘within to without’
management. The management and workers must have absolute faith or trust on
the Supreme’s Infinite Power. Our inner being has the true knowledge. It says, “ I
know, I cannot give reasons, but I know.”
Role Of Intuition (Feeling)

Intuition is the act of coming to direct knowledge or certainty without reasoning or

inferring. It is immediate cognition by the inner mind and when fully developed is efficient
and effective for taking prompt and sound decisions. Intuition skills enable one to cope with
confidence the fluctuating environment and rapid changes. Faith is Prerequisite to develop
and realize the power of intuition.

In the scheme of management as per Indian ethos, the inner mind and the
inner aspects of man are emphasised and the inner being has to develop
for manifestation in the physical. In the management process
consciousness is the approach, harmony is the tool and perfection is the
aim. Centralisation of authority is meant to diffuse and decentralise
functions and the power to perform them.
Insights into Indian ethos
Indian ethos provides that „Business‟ need not be regarded evil, tainted
and unethical. Business is sacred. It is a matter of attitude, approach
and level of management consciousness. One can do business, make
money, earn profit, build up property and even then it can be managed
with due recognition to human and ethical values and respecting all
persons in the enterprise and in the society as human beings. Indian
ethos demands subjective management system, giving due importance
to virtues like compassion, honesty, co-operation etc.
Managerial Effectiveness Under Indian Ethos In Management

Basic of Management Based on

Western Management
difference Indian ethos

Material gain, with belief in achieving human

Belief Production, productivity, profit at any cost
and social welfare also

Management guided by mind only, led

Management by consciousness power beyond mind,
Guidance away by ego and desire, soulless
i.e., soul. Interiorized management
management

Worker development, management of

Development of man, integrated growth, harmony,
Emphasis others, profit maximization. Human being
happiness and health, Management of self
given only lip sympathy

5Ms as resources- men, money, materials,
machines, markets. Science and
Tools
technology information for decision
marking
Men, machines, materials and methods as conscious
partners all having consciousness whether manifested
or dormant. Information and intuition for decision.
Ethics and values combined with skills
 Basic Of Western Management Management Based On Indian
Difference Ethos
Conflict resolution by negotiation, Conflict resolution through integration and
compromise, arbitration, synthesis on
liquidation of differences only for stressing super ordinate common goals so that
Problem a temporary period. No reference enduring harmony and unity is assured. Self
solving to higher consciousness introspection, stepping back aids the search for
solution

Brain storming (round table approach) Brain stilling (entering the room of timeless silence)
Decision
making
Physical, vital and mental only. Integrated development, whole man approach,
Soul or spirit ignored. Material breath
Development development only, even at the cost control and meditation emphasized. Human
of man and nature enrichment and total quality

External behavior. Mental, Noble attitudes. Inner guidance, team spirit, total
material, selfish only- soulless harmony, global good
Approach
 Business Ethos Principles Practiced By Indian Companies

Indian companies are guided by certain rules of conduct in the form of ethical and moral standards. Some
of the business ethos principles, practiced by Indian companies are listed below

1. Principle of 'sacrifice': An individual is trained by the principle of `sacrifice’ through

the process of `give and take’ policy. A person, who is willing to sacrifice part of his
bread or effort, commands a superior place in the organization.
2. Principle of `harmony’: An individual is trained in such a way that to avoid conflicts
and friction one should be guided by certain set of moral conducts and principles.
3. Principle of `non-violence’ : This principle protects an organization from strikes and
lockouts and unnecessary avoidable conflicts.
4. Principle of `reward’
The one who performs well are encouraged to do so. This implies that the activities of individuals need
to be monitored and encouragement in the form of `rewards’ may cultivate the spirit of higher
productivity among groups.
5. Principle of `justice’
The one who works hard is `rewarded’ and the one who fails to do so is `punished’. This is essence the
principle of Justice.
6. Principle of `taxation’
The one who is taxed more is encouraged to stay fit for a longer period by proper appreciation
and encouragement. This principle applies to individuals who are hardworking and productive.
7. Principle of `Integrity’
An integrated mind is more productive. Groups are encouraged to stay united in order to
reap the benefits of division of labour.
Application of Indian Ethos to Management

– Indian ethos provides that Business need not be regarded evil, tainted
and unethical. Business is sacred. It is a matter of attitude, approach
and level of management consciousness. One can do business, make
money, earn profit, build up property and even then it can be managed
with due recognition to human and ethical values and respecting all
persons in the enterprise and in the society as human beings. Indian
ethos demands subjective management system, giving due importance
to virtues like compassion, honesty, co-operation etc.
 Teaching from major Indian Scriptures
Scripture Description
The Vedas There are four Vedas viz. Rig-Veda, Yajur-Veda, Sama-Veda, and
Atharva-Veda. The primary thought in the Vedas is a mystic conception
of the universe. The whole effort of the Veda is directed towards one
goal – to achieve union of the individual Self (Atman) with the world
Self (Brahma).
Upanishads The Vedanta seeks to know the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the cause
behind everything. In this pursuit it seeks to detach from the “Maya” and
the material world and unite with Brahman (God or supreme
consciousness).
Bhagavada Gita It is a poem which depicts lessons on spirituality and ethics through a
dialogue between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna who is at a great
crisis of his life. The Karma Yoga, Samkhya Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and the
notion of three Gunas (Sattwa, Rajas, Tamas) have very important
implications in the context of ethical leadership, decisionmaking and
management which we will discuss subsequently.
 Scripture Description
Ramayana It depicts the duties of relationships, portraying ideal characters like the ideal father,
ideal servant, the ideal brother, the ideal wife and the ideal king. Apart from this, the
Ramayana also teaches how the temptation for lust can bring a powerful and well
established man’s doomsday.

Buddhism (1) The founder of this school was Gautam Sidhhartha who later became Lord Gautam
Buddha. The Buddhism is based on the four noble truths: (i) Suffering exists; (ii) There
is a cause of the suffering; (iii) Suffering can be eradicated; (iv) There is a means for
eradication of that suffering. Buddha establishes that everything on the earth is non-
permanent. And, nothing on earth is self. Hence everything on this earth is “anatta” or
not-self. Finally, Buddha taught the eightfoldpath to liberation from all suffering.

Patanjali Yoga It represents a form of personal discipline where we integrate the body and the soul, the
individual self (Atman) with the Universal self (Brahman). According to Patanjali,
Yoga is the control of the modifications of the mind. It is mind that leads to or to
liberation; that most human problems are mental and that the only remedy to solve them
is mental discipline
Quality of work life and Indian Ethos

1 Why work? – To purify my mind and heart and to

become wise. To provide public benefit.
2.What is work? – To nurture each other. My work is a for
of yagna, sacrifice. I develop the spirit of sacrifice. It is a
worship of the Divine.
3.How to work? – With the spirit of renunciation, i.e.. Tyag
and to serve others. I must work without self-interest.
4.Spirits of work : Excellence in work. Perfection in work and
quality of output.
ROLE OF INDIAN ETHOS IN
MANAGERIAL PRACTICES