A multidimensional view of leadership from an Indian perspective

Abstract

There now exists a significant global movement that supports sustainable practices, green thinking, environmental consciousness, a wider sense of social responsibility and a more inclusive economics. We are also starting to witness a change in the fundamental objectives of business, away from a pure focus on profit to a more inclusive outlook. Such a transition calls for a change in the thought processes of leadership. India, with its rich and well-established spiritual traditions, can provide a roadmap for the realization of this transition. A multidimensional view of leadership can be developed by adopting the Purusharthas, that are four goals of human life according to the Indian tradition, as the foundation of ethical leadership, and by absorbing guidance from the Indian texts like the Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita. They demonstrate the relevance of Indian principles to modern-day leadership, and explain how leadership can incorporate ethics by paying homage to Indian scripture.