INDIAN ETHOS AND BUSINESS ETHICS
Module 1
1. Relationship between Morals, Ethics & Values
Ethics is the systematic reflection on what is moral.
Greek EthikosCharacter
Ethos Disposition
Eg-” can killing be justified if it is for self-defense”
Morality is the whole of opinions, decisions and actions with which people express what they
think is good or right
Latin Mos Custom
Eg:”One should not kill”
Values serve as the basis for moral codes and reflections
Eg: “Life is to be valued”
Discussion: Analysis of stories and
cultural activities
: Panchatantra
2. Arthashastra
Efficient management means setting
up of realistic targets and meeting
targets without using over zealous
methods-Kautilya
• The timeless and
comprehensive treatise that
explores social welfare and
collective ethics
• It contains 6000 shlokas divided into 15 sections and 180 subjects
• The King was considered as the embodiment of Dharma
“In the happiness of his subjects lies the king's happiness,
in their welfare, his welfare.
He shall not consider as good only that which pleases him but
treat as beneficial to him whatever pleases his subjects.”
-(Arthashastra, I.19.34)
Saptanga Theory-The state has 7 elements
Swamin— the King, Amatya—the Minister, Janapada—the Land and the People, Durga—the
Fortress, Kosha—the Treasury, Danda—the Army and Mitra—the Allies.
Arthashastra is relevant in modern times guiding a state’s economic policy and military strategy
ensuring economic and political wellbeing of the nation by broadening strategic vision.
3) Importance of Ethics in Management
Ethical decision making
Long Run Superior Performance
Fair treatment of all stakeholders
Building trustworthy organisations
Value Evaluation
Accountability of responsibility
Corporate Cleansing
4) Origins of Ethics
• Divine Command Theory- theory of moral obligation that equates our moral duties to the
commandments of God
``Religion and Ethics”
Every religion prescribes high ethical standards
Religion is based on the idea that God reveals insights about life and its true meaning
Reasoning of these revelations leads to ethics
Ethical principles derive their authority from religious doctrines meant to promote and develop
responsible individual
• Theory of Forms- The zenith of all Forms, is the Form of Goodness because it is the
Form of highest value
• Natural Law Theory- Natural law is a philosophy asserting that certain rights are
inherent by virtue of human nature, endowed by nature
5) Work Ethos
• Systematic reflection of what is moral at work
• A group of moral principles, standards of behavior, or set of values regarding proper
conduct in the workplace
• Integrity,Efficiency,Economy,Responsibility,Respecting Law,Technical Competence,
Prudence
• Leads to employee engagement and better work culture
6) Dimensions of Work Ethics
• Protecting the organization's interest
• Appropriate system
• Proper communication
7) Work ethics at various levels
• BASIC LEVEL- Discipline,Punctuality,Cordial work relations,respect for hierarchy,
commitment to work, ethically sound activities
• SENIOR LEVEL- Work culture ,Loyalty ,and Sense of belongingness commitment to
organization’s reputation
8) INDIAN ETHOS in MANAGEMENT
Discussion : Bhavan’s Journal article
Reflection on Indian Values system
INDIAN VALUES
Human Values
Social and Political Values
Spiritual Values
9) Indian Work Ethos
Self-less work
Value orientation for all stake holders
Co-operation and collective work
Belief that all work is worthy and honorable
Emphasis on excellence in duties and responsibilities
Self-less work
Value orientation for all stake holders
Co-operation and collective work
Belief that all work is worthy and honorable
Emphasis on excellence in duties and responsibilities
10) Indian Culture
• Religiosity
• Diversity
• Inclusiveness
• Regionalism
• Harmony with Nature
• Rich Artistic Heritage
Culture Comparison: INDIAN vs WESTERN
11)Indian Heritage in Production and Consumption
• Phases& Features
• Impact of Spiritual Consideration
• The role of great economists
• Increase in spiritual growth vs per capita income
• Use of Resources
12)Indian Mythology
• body of stories,symbols and rituals that communicates subjective truth of a particular
nature.
• Itihasa and Puranas
• Story based management learning through Panchatantra,Vetal stories etc.
14)Indian Mythological Descriptions
• Organisation
• Employees
• Managerial Effectiveness
• Leadership
• Sustainability
• Contextualization
15)Features of Indian Ethos
• focus on the existence of human being as a truth: soul is supreme
• principle: 'If you are good, the whole world is good'.
• one must successfully strike a balance between spiritual values and secular values
• greater emphasis on one’s duty than results.
• inner resources , ie self is more important than material possessions.
• Indian ethos is explicit in itihas and puranas, vedas,upanishads etc.
• Indian socio-poilitical environment is managed by human values(moral,ethical,spiritual)
and Holism( oneness)
End of Module 1