From Battlefield to Boardroom: The Gita’s Guide to Effective Management
Keywords:
Bhagavad Gita, Management Philosophy, Ethical Leadership, Karma Yoga, Organizational Behaviour.Abstract
Abstract
In an era characterized by increasing organizational complexity and ethical
challenges, contemporary management theory increasingly seeks wisdom from
ancient philosophical traditions. This research systematically explores the Bhagavad
Gita's relevance to modern management practices, proposing a comprehensive
framework that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary organizational needs.
Through hermeneutical analysis, this study identifies nine interconnected
management principles embedded within the Gita's philosophical discourse: Karma
Philosophy (process-focused action without attachment to outcomes), Leadership
through Service (servant leadership paradigm), Decision-Making through Wisdom
(buddhi-yoga for ethical clarity), Emotional Intelligence and Mental Resilience
(sthitaprajna for balanced leadership), Organizational Behavior and Team
Management (swadharma-based role alignment), Ethics and Corporate Governance
(dharma-centered integrity), Strategic Thinking and Vision (equanimous long-term
planning), Change Management (acceptance of impermanence), and Conflict
Resolution and Communication (principled dialogue and mediation).
The conceptual framework demonstrates how Krishna's teachings to Arjuna
transcend religious boundaries to offer practical guidance for modern managers
facing dilemmas of leadership, motivation, and ethical decision-making. Unlike
conventional management models focused on quantitative metrics and short-term
gains, the Gita presents a holistic approach emphasizing inner transformation,
emotional intelligence, and value-based leadership. The research reveals that
adopting these timeless principles enables organizations to create not merely
efficient structures but nurturing, principle-guided environments that foster
sustainable success.
This study contributes to the growing body of literature on spirituality in management
by providing a systematic framework for integrating ancient Indian wisdom into
contemporary organizational practice. The findings suggest that the Gita's teachings
offer a path toward more conscious, compassionate, and effective management
approaches that benefit all stakeholders while promoting positive societal change.
Keywords: Bhagavad Gita, Management Philosophy, Ethical Leadership, Karma
Yoga, Organizational Behaviour.
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