Indian Philosophy And Modern Management

Dr Ramakrishnan Raman Feb 16, 2023

Indian philosophy offers valuable lessons for modern management. Incorporating insights from Indian philosophy can help managers and organisations to enhance their effectiveness, agility and resilience. Some of the key lessons that can be drawn from Indian philosophy that can be applied in the context of modern management are:

Ethical leadership: The importance of ethical leadership and doing what is right, even in challenging circumstances is termed 'Dharma' in Indian Philosophy. In modern management, this principle can be applied through transparent decision-making, responsible business practices and a commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Empathy and compassion: Indian philosophy emphasises the importance of treating others with kindness, compassion, and understanding. 'Vasudaiva Kutimbakam' of the 'The world is one family' is a fundamental belief of Indian Philosophy and is also the tagline for the G20 Summit that India is hosting. Having this belief and practising, and understanding at the workplace can help managers to create a positive and supportive workplace culture, where employees across cultures, creeds, religions and races feel valued and motivated to do their best work.

Holistic and inclusive thought process: Indian philosophy places a strong emphasis on the value of having a broad perspective and realising how everything is connected. This comprehensive approach can assist managers in understanding the connections between different organisational components and how changes in one area may have an impact on others.

Flexibility and adaptability: Indian philosophy places a strong emphasis on the value of flexibility and adaptability in the face of difficulty. In the face of uncertainty and change, this can make companies and managers more adaptable and resilient.

Focus on the goal: Indian philosophy places a strong emphasis on having a distinct purpose and striving for something greater. Following this and adopting this mantra can help companies and managers in maintaining their attention on what is really important rather than becoming sidetracked by ephemeral distractions.

Continuous improvement: Self-improvement and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom are important aspects of Indian philosophy that are emphasised continuously. In terms of innovation and competitiveness, this can help managers and businesses continuously develop and stay ahead of the curve.

Interdependence and Collaboration: Indian philosophy places a strong emphasis on the value of cooperation and interdependence in achieving success. This approach can be used in contemporary management to encourage creativity and progress through cooperation, cross-functional collaboration and open communication.

Adaptability: Indian philosophy also emphasises the value of being flexible and accepting to new concepts and viewpoints. This idea can be utilized in contemporary management through agile techniques, experimentation, and a readiness to accept failure as a teaching tool.

Mindfulness and emotional intelligence: Mindfulness, self-awareness and emotional intelligence are not new to Indian Philosophy as these have been practised in yoga and meditation. In modern management, these aspects can be applied to help the organisations and the people working in them. By promoting a culture of empathy and emotional intelligence, encouraging leaders to take a more holistic approach to decision-making and fostering a work environment that supports mental and emotional well-being.

By incorporating the principles of Indian Philosophy into modern management practices, organisations can foster a culture of innovation, drive growth and promote long-term success.