Holistic approach to management: Perspectives from The Bhagavad Gita

Abstract

Present study explores the application of Bhagavad Gita principles in modern management, identifies key Bhagavad Gita principles for holistic management, evaluates challenges and barriers in implementing holistic management in an organization particularly when influenced by Bhagavad Gita principles, and provides recommendations for implementing such principles in modern management. The present study is based on secondary data obtained from electronic media, books, research papers, journals, and spiritual leaders' speeches. Findings reveal that the Bhagavad Gita promotes spiritual management practices in organizations, focusing on well-being, work-life balance, and ethical decision-making. Key principles include ethical leadership, effective communication, self-motivation, and teamwork. However, these principles can face challenges such as cultural resistance, lack of understanding, and integration with existing systems. To overcome these challenges, organizations must adopt the Bhagavad Gita's teachings, integrate them into policies, procedures, and codes of conduct, and seek external guidance from experts or spiritual leaders. This research can benefit scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate holistic and ethical principles into modern management and leadership.