Spirituality in Indian Organizations

Abstract

Traditionally, spirituality had no place in business because the sole aim to do business was to earn profit. But in recent years a paradigm shift has taken place when ethics, good corporate governance and corporate social responsibility have become an integral part of modern management philosophies and there is a progress towards refinement in all aspects of our life. Companies are now realizing that until and unless financial capital and human capital go hand in hand they cannot be successful in this highly competitive world. But the question is how to implement best practices in business and side by side remain competitive in this fast moving VUCA world ? How to create an atmosphere where employees trust employers, employers trust employees, organizations trust customers and customers trust organizations. How to build a strong organization on the foundation of “mutual trust ”? Modern day organizations are now moving towards spirituality -based value system to achieve the same. But does this mean photographs of deities from various religious faiths adorn the walls of organizations, or that sermons are being preached in the office along with burning incense or morning prayers? No. There is a difference between spirituality and religion. Religion is practiced through rites and rituals, while spirituality is inward focused and based on beliefs and values that form a basic core of human value irrespective of religion.