The Application of Values

Relevance of Values in Management:

In Mahabharata, Veda Vyasa depicts the qualities of an individual who leads
others as well as the kingdom. Vyasa uses the word Sarvabhutasaman when
referring to such a leader; suggesting that a leader should consider all as one,
have equal respect for all, and show no preferences amongst people. Such a
leader appreciates and acknowledges the state of unity in diversity.
The institutionalisation of such leadership gives rise to a society where common
citizens are able to express their opinion without fear and prejudice.

Mr. Narayanamurthy, founder and chief mentor, Infosys technologies on the

secret of Infosys success:
Let me say this, right from day one, when we founded the company, when we
sat for four hours to discuss what we should seek in this journey, we were all
unanimous that we would seek respect. We would seek respect from customers,
from our employees, from our investors, from our lender departments, from the
government and from the society. And we said, if we seek respect from each of
these stakeholders, we will do the right thing for them. And if we do the right
thing for them, then everything will fall into place. And that is perhaps the
reason we have had what little success we have had so for.

In a study it was found that greater the experience of personal purpose and
meaning in one’s work,
 the greater the organization commitment of the individual
 the lesser the intention of the intention to quit the organization
 the greater the intrinsic work satisfaction of the individual
 the greater the job involvement of the individual
 the greater the organisation-based self- esteem of the individual
Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam has said in this autobiography, Wings of Fire, ‘we are all
born with a diving fire in us. Our efforts should be to give wings to this fire and
fill the world with the glow of its goodness’. If we are aware that there is a divine
fire within us, then we will be aware of our personal goals. If we are aware of
our personal values, then we will be committed to our work.

How Values Help Stakeholders:

An Organisation’s behaviour is a manifestation of its real values. Nilofer
Merchant, founder president of Rubicon Consultants, a US marketing consulting
firm, speaks about the importance of nourishing the roots ( values) so that what
appears outside ( behaviour) is also nourished. We see the branches and leaves
and not the root system. So I think spirituality is about defining where our true
strength comes from as the root system. The company driven by values benefits
its internal customers and external customers.

Jack Hawley, author of Reawakening the Spirit in Work: The Power of Dharmic
Management speaks about 9 qualities that a modern leader should have:
1. Sense maker – the purpose and meaning of the business
2. Moral architect – the leader character
3. Steward – the leader if the steward of the organization’s values
4. Leadership yogi – peace of mind – determined action
5. Servant – principle of giving – the one who creates the overall aura of
helpfulness.
6. Spiritual guide – organization’s energy, heart and spirit
7. Whole maker – organization culture , its basic personality –overall sense
of unity
8. Optimist – contributes to overall mood of cheerful optimism
9. Spiritual warrior – fosters self confidence – overall air of conviction and
assurance

Debra and William Miller from Global Dharma Center: - p. 124-25