Smritis and Management- An Exploration with Special Reference to Shankha Smriti

Abstract

A child grows up by learning from others, not by imitating them. and so does a nation! The growth of a nation lies in its sense of Identity. Every nation has its own management ethics, based on its unique cultural ethos. This is called its 'Management Identity'. The British make loyalty their management mantra. Performance means the most to the Americans. Japanese management theories are based on Buddhism and Confucianism. What is India's 'Management Identity'? To discover India's Management Identity, one should study the Indian Ethos viz. Vedas, Smritis, Epics, Bhagwati Gita, Chanakya Neeti, Vidur Neeti etc. In the ancient world, India stood foremost in Industry and Business. Our ancestors were into global business - with Europe, the Middle East and South Asia. This is evident from their excellent management tactics. Are we, their descendants, making any significant contribution to the global management system? Or are we just quoting Abraham Maslow, Herzberg, and Peter Drucker etc.? The central theme in Indian Approach to Management is to empower 'Man'. Machines, materials and money will be taken care of when man is taken care of A small portion of the profound knowledge of Indian Scriptures especially Smritis, is highlighted in this paper which explains empowerment of Human Resources. This paper tries to show a concrete relation between the Smritis and Management and its various principles that are used to make it the most impressive art. Knowledge, Donation, and Coordination are the three attributes that have been emphasized in this paper.