Indian contribution- A comparative evaluation

In the early periods before Christ, there were four major civilizations that developed socially and culturally that developed basics of management with reference to society and kingdoms. They were Greek and Roman civilization around the river Euphrates and Tigress, Egyptian civilization around river Nile, Indus civilization around river Indus (Sindhu) and Chinese civilization around river Yangtze.

In the Roman civilization, great philosophers such as Socrates and Plato (around 400 B.C) covered the subject.The concept of democratic state emerged from the works of these philosophers through their books such as “Republic”. Indus Valley civilization conceptualized understanding about the universe its relations with individuals, social values and ultimate peace for human being that is reflected in the scriptures of “Vedas and Upnishadas”. Essence of these scriptures is covered by “Bhagwad-Gita” that explains philosophy of work without expectations. “Kautilya’s Arthashstra” a treatise on political economics presented in codified manner principles of governance ( around 300 B.C.).Chinese civilization represented by Cofucius and his teachings ( 500 B.C ) emphasized personal and governmental moral values, correctness of social relationships and tactics for warfare that reflected in the work of Sun Tzu in the book “The Art of War”.

Plato’s philosophical views had many implications particularly with reference to society and the governance of the society. Some of the famous doctrines in his book “Republic” cover laws and rules and discipline that would govern the statesmen. They bring out triplicate class structure symbolizing the castes of society, such as Productive, Protective and Governing class.There is reference to the State and the Ruler who would govern the state. The observations with reference to the philosopher king can be translated for effective Chief Executive of today.

In the Indus valley civilization, Arya Chanakya, as mentor and advisor to the first Indian Emperor, Chandragupta Maurya, has developed guidelines for running the administration and managing growth of the empire. In his excellent work, “Political Economics (Kautilya’s Arthashastra)”, there are comprehensive references to the internal administration of the empire and the external affairs. The treatise covers topics that can provide guidelines for the strategists and managements in global competitive world of business.

Chinese philosopher Confucius explained moral values for society. In the book “Art of War” by Sun Tzu, there is reference to the wars amongst the states that existed during his time in China. The references are more tactical. There is reference to Strategies that should be adapted in different conditions. They are applicable in marketing warfare and are operational in nature.

In the next post we will introduce the theme of this blog Management practices from Indian scriptures.