Management perspectives in Sikhism

Abstract

The basic research mission of the study Management Perspectives in Sikhism is to develop and disseminate research findings for the effective management of organizations according to the divine knowledge as enunciated in the holy Sri Guru Granth Sahib and to explore and construe the different managerial perspectives from the life history of the Sikh Gurus and wisdom enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The research is mainly exploratory in nature and is based on qualitative research methodology called hermeneutics. newlineThe lessons of managerial sagacity from the life history of the ten great Gurus can sensitize the global business leaders towards value-based management for sustainable growth and success. Collective wisdom of the great Gurus calls for a manager to be selfless and his style to be the one which is drenched with virtues and shared values with the general well being of all as the core concern. Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, has a universal appeal and message of truth, benevolence, compassion, tolerance, humility, selfless service, love, welfare unto all, liberty, equality, fraternity and meditating of God at all times to the mankind. The wisdom enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib can transform the mankind from ordinary to extra-ordinary, propounding a complete life-style and demolishing away the walls of falsehood, ignorance and ego. The most preferred style of management of corporate Sikh managers is Democratic and participative. They believe and trust their employees and subordinates. They encourage their participation in managerial decision making and motivate them to bring their creativity and innovation in the organisation. The most of the Sikh corporate managers are religious by nature and this fact has a positive bearing on their behaviour and makes them effective, ethical and socially responsible managers. The analysis clearly depicts that religion plays an affirmative role in the lives of the people of Sikh community and contributes in making them better managers.