Contribution Of Hinduism To Modern Day Management-Part II

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Hindu way of Approach to 'Theory of Motivation'

The Rishis of this holy land after spending generations on experiment have found that the real cheer and satisfaction of a man lies not in the outer world but in his own inner subjective world. Therefore wealth and worldly goods, power and position, name and fame cannot provide man lasting peace and satisfaction.

Hence incentive - be it monetary or non-monetary is no way going to boost the labour productivity in the long-run if they see their employment merely as a source of income. Employees, therefore, need to be chastened to work beyond their selfish need by bringing forth in them the 'Yagna-Spirit'- the spirit of service and selfless sacrifice. The highest motivating technique is therefore to educate the worker in line with Karma Yoga of Bhagavad Gita.

“Ishtan bhogan hi vo devah dasyante yajna bhavitah"

The productive potential in a worker when cherished through self dedicated work performed in a spirit of sacrifice will give the worker the desired object, not to speak of feeling of accomplishment, pride
self-esteem, self-fulfillment etc, what Maslow and Hezberg seek in their theories of motivation. Virtually by asking the workers to work for the greater interest of their country, their people and their industry would be a practical approach to Yagna. The Japaneese firms have wondrously improved their work culture.

Theory of Leadership in Hindu Scripture

"Master the mind and you will master the world" - the age old slogan of the sagacious Hindu sages to excel in each and every field or activity as an effective leader has a special place in management philosophy. A manger should first learn to master himself before he masters others as to acquire the leadership traits like self-confidence, persistance, initiation, decisiveness etc. as pronounced in the 'Trait Theory of Leadership'

Again a manager as a leader should be self-motivated to work with the spirit of Yagna. Without being self-motivated how can he motivate others? Hence the Gita says

“Joshet sarva karmani vidwan yuktah samacharan"

The manager should first diligently perform all activities with devotion and slowly and steadily inspire the subordinates to work with him with a sense of dedication. Man being essentially an imitating animal, subordinates would automatically imitate the manners and enthusiastically put-forth the best in them by surrendering their selfish desires.

Contribution of Hinduism preserved in the rich treasures of Indian Scriptures has been serving as a marine compass to modern day management, which basically draws its inspiration from western psychology and value system. The management scientists should come forward to explore this vast treasure and help the management of business houses in bringing about group dynamism at work and actuating the Vedantic message

“May we prosper together and enjoy the prosperity in common
Let there be peace, peace and peace"