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.
Difference Between Ethics and Ethos
Ethics
Ethics is a set of principles that
guide the behavior of an individual
as regard to what is right and what
is wrong, good and bad, moral,
immoral
Ethics are derived from Shastra
Ethics are universal in nature
Ethics determine Functions such as
paap,punya, Swarg, narak etc
Example- Truth, Violence, donation,
kindness
Ethos
Ethos is a character or fundamental
values of a person, people, culture
or movement
It is based on customs and
traditions
Ethos is derived from culture
Ethos are culture
It determines cultural behavior or
culture
Welcome,Pranam, love to
youngsters
Indian Ethos

Indian Ethos refers to values , beliefs or ideals that are drawn from Indian
Customs and traditions.
Indian ethos refers the values and beliefs of our traditional scriptures such
as Vedas, Upanishads and epics like Ramayana, Maharashtra and Bhagwad
Gita.
Indian Ethos in Management

'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.
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 :
Principles of Indian Ethos:
Divinity of all souls
Dignity of work
Ananda or Bliss
Equanimity
Know Yourself
Unique Work Culture
Vasundhra Kutumbakam
Holistic Approach to Management
Work Results and Detachment
Co-operation
Equal Importance to Subjectivity/Objectivity
Know Yourself:

Who are you? All of us are part of supreme power (GOD) & hence all of us have all the divine qualities like integrity, patience,
courage, loyalty, forgiveness, service attitude i.e. mind so if you try to develop our self by improving our qualities we will not
only make our self happy but also the society be live in.

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.

We should behave in same way of manner which we expect from others.

Efficiency & effectiveness in an organization will increase only when there
is co-operation team spirit & positive energy in employees.
 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 utilisation 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.
Sewa Or Service Attitude:
The person should have altitude of service providing & at the same time have
happy face i.e. smile on face.eg: organization should be service oriented & not
profit oriented, provide best possible service to your entire customer.
Karma Yoga (selfless work) It is yoga of moral endeavour, self-less service to
others. It brings about union of human being with the Divine. Work is done as
workship 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.
Self Sacrifice:
Self sacrifice refers to sacrifice of self ego. We should be ready to sacrifice
for others.
Team Spirit:
Treat work as YAJNA – together i.e. T- Together E- Everyone, A- Achieves,
M- More.
 Present Moment:
Think only about
a) What is there in front of you at present?
b) We cannot change the past or predict future.
c) So have total focus & dedication present in situation.
d) Do not take unnecessary stress of work, take it as a play.
Perfection In Work:
Bhagwad Gita emphasizes on while doing your present duty we should use our judgment & perform with utmost
concentration. Do work without expecting what will be the result.
“Do the works for the sake of your organization result will follow automatically”
Self Motivation:
No one can encourage us for long. Nobody can encourage us more than our self. “Work should be worship”. If we
love the work we do it will bring happiness & effectiveness. “Do what you love to do a& love what you are doing”
 Bliss (Ananda): Happiness of Soul.
One should be equanimous i.e. accept pleasure and pain joys and sorrows is a part of life.
Dharma – Right
Artha – Money
Kama – Work
Moksha – Freedom
Dignity of Work:
Dignity of work is much important as far as Indian ethos is concerned. No work is great or
small. Each work whether it is a peon’s job or General Manager’s job, is of equal
importance, worthy & honorable. It lays stress on “Sarvabhutastha Atmanam Sarvabhutani
Chatmani” which means to treat all as equals.
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) management

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 conciousness. 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.
Managerial effectiveness under Indian
ethos in management
Basic of Western management Management Based on Indian
difference ethos
Belief Production, productivity, profit at any cost Material gain, with belief in achieving human and
social welfare also
Guidance Management guided by mind only, led Management by consciousness power beyond mind,
away by ego and desire, soulless i.e., soul. Interiorized management
management
Emphasis Worker development, management of Development of man, integrated growth, harmony,
others, profit maximization. Human being happiness and health, Management of self
given only lip sympathy
Tools 5Ms as resources- men, money, materials, Men, machines, materials and methods as conscious
machines, markets. Science and partners all having consciousness whether manifested
technology information for decision or dormant. Information and intuition for decision.
marking Ethics and values combined with skills
Basic of Western management Management Based on Indian
difference ethos
Problem Conflict resolution by negotiation, Conflict resolution through integration and
solving compromise, arbitration, liquidation synthesis on
of differences only for a temporary stressing super ordinate common goals so that
period. No reference to higher enduring harmony and unity is assured. Self
consciousness introspection, stepping back aids the search for
solution

Decision Brain storming (round table approach) Brain stilling (entering the room of timeless silence)
making

Development Physical, vital and mental only. Integrated development, whole man approach,
Soul or spirit ignored. Material breath
development only, even at the cost of control and meditation emphasized. Human
man and nature enrichment and total quality

Approach External behavior. Mental, material, Noble attitudes. Inner guidance, team spirit, total
selfish only- soulless harmony, global good
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 `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 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 material world
and unite with Brahman (God or supreme consciousness).

Bhagavada Gita It 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 Scripture Description
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 “anata” 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.
Explain dimensions of work Ethos

Protecting the interest of the Organization

Appropriate System
Proper Communication System
Sense of Loyalty towards organization
Discipline
Management ethics is the ethical treatment of employees, stockholders,
owners and the public by a company. A company, while needing to make a
profit, should have good ethics.
Employees should be treated well, whether they are employed here or
overseas.
By being respectful of the environment in the community a compound ethics,
and good, honest records also show respect to stockholders and owners. Most
of us would agree that it is ethics in practice that makes sense; just having it
carefully drafted and redrafted in books may not serve the purpose.
Of course all of us want businesses to be fair, clean and beneficial to the society. For that to happen,
organizations need to abide by ethics or rule of law, engage themselves in fair practices and competition; all of
which will benefit the consumer, the society and organization.
Ethics are about making choices that may not always feel good or seem like they benefit you but are the'right'
choices to make.
They are the choices that are examples of 'model citizen' and are the examples of 'golden rules' like; don't
hurt, don't steal, don't be dishonest, don't lie. But if we take Ethics as a subjective philosophy then what will
happen to these golden rules.
Especially at the time of facing an ethical dilemma how one should decide - what is ethical and what's
unethical? Organization provides rules, regulations, code of conduct, protocols which provide guidelines to
work, it shows how to walk, but it does not show the correct path to walk on. Ethical dilemmas faced by
managers are often more real to life and highly complex with no clear guidelines, whether in law or often in
religion.
Concept of work in Vedanta Work is here considered as an exercise of
energy. A living being has no alternative but to be working physically or
mentally. A non working body is a dead body. A man has to work to realize
that divinity residing in him. Thus attitude towards work is quite different.
An Indian does not work for a livelihood only, but he considers it as his
duty( Sadhana), as Indian philosophy teaches that every work you perform
can only be an offering to that divine in you.
Indian ethos in management: Indian management is slowly emerging to
promote equally excellence and spiritual enrichment both in individual and
collective life.The salient ideas and thoughts of Indian ethos in
management revealed by our scriptures are:
1. Atmano Moksharathan, Jagat hitaya
All work is an opportunity for doing good to the world and thus gaining
materially and spiritually in ourlives.
2. Archyet Dana ManabhyamWorship people not only with material things
but also by showing respect to their ever present divinity within
3. Atmana Vindyate ViryanStrength and inspiration for excelling in work
comes from the divine, God within, through prayer, holyreadings and
unselfish work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4VbDJbTacFE
4. Yogah karmasu kaushalam. Samatvam yoga uchyate
He who works with calm and even mind achieves the most
5. Yahishi Bhavana yasya siddhi bhavati tadrishiAs we think, so we succeed,
so we become. Attention to means ensures the end
6. Parasparam bhavayantah shreyah param bhavapsyathahBy mutual co-
operation, respect and fellow feeling all of us will enjoy the highest good
both materialand spiritual.
7. Tesham sukhm tesham shanty shaswatiInfinite happiness and infinite
peace comes to them, who see the Divine in all beings.8. Paraspar Devo
BhavRegard the other person as a divine being. All of us have the same
consciousness though ourcontainers are different
Prevalence
This theme is embedded in varying levels as part of programmes in business management offered by
various business schools and universities.
FMS-WISDOM at Banasthali Vidyapith under the National Resource Center setup by Ministry of Human
Resource Development, Government of India, developed video based modules with focus on Indian
ethos for management teachers.
IIM Calcutta has a centre for human values to foster research and academic activities in the domain of
Indian ethos.
IIM Indore organised a conference on Indian Management in December 2017 .
IBA Banglore linked cultural symbols to the idea of Indian ethos