Sustainability with Values and Ethical Management: The Bhagavad Gita Lens

The Bhagavad Gita, one of the most profound philosophical and ethical texts of India, offers valuable insights into sustainable management ethics. While it is not a management textbook in the modern sense, its teachings on duty (dharma), selfless action (karma yoga), leadership, and long-term vision align closely with the principles of sustainability in management. This narrative explores how the Gita provides a framework for sustainable management ethics, focusing on leadership, decision-making, responsibility, and harmony with nature.
In today�s fast-paced, interconnected, and resource-intensive world, the need for sustainable ethical management has become more crucial than ever. Organizations, governments, and individuals are increasingly facing ethical dilemmas that require a balance between economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social well-being. Ethical management is not merely about adhering to legal frameworks or corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives�it is about fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and sustainability that benefits both present and future generations.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches balance (samatvam) and harmony with nature. It underscores the importance of responsible action (karma yoga) without attachment to immediate outcomes, emphasizing that true success lies in ethical responsibility rather than short-term profit. Modern organizations can draw from this wisdom to ensure that their operations remain sustainable and ethically grounded.
The Bhagavad Gita�s Relevance to Modern Management Ethics
While the Bhagavad Gita was composed thousands of years ago, its teachings remain incredibly relevant in today�s corporate and social landscape. Concepts such as leadership integrity, ethical decision-making, selfless service, and sustainability can be directly applied to contemporary management challenges. Through different verses of Bhagavad Gita, author has tried to join the dots of both advantages and challenges of practicing values and ethics in every spheres of our lives.