Opinion | The Indianisation of Corporate Culture on the Principles of Dharma

The term ‘Indianisation of corporate culture’ refers to the process of incorporating and adapting elements of Indian culture, values, and practices into the organisational environment and management style of corporations operating in India. This adaptation is often influenced by the cultural, social, and business context specific to India. It is a dynamic process that involves a continuous understanding and adaptation to the ever-evolving cultural dynamics of the country. It aims to create a work environment that resonates with the values and expectations of Indian employees, fostering a sense of belonging and commitment within the organisation.

It is imperative to understand the importance of values and ethics by integrating principles of dharma, or righteousness, into business practices, which involve emphasising ethical behaviour, integrity, and social responsibility. Dharma, a concept deeply rooted in Indian philosophy, encompasses moral and ethical duties and is often associated with the right way of living. It encompasses the moral and ethical duties that we are expected to uphold in our personal, professional, and social lives. It provides a framework for righteous conduct and behaviour. It guides us on the right way of living, taking into account our responsibilities towards ourselves, our families, our communities, and the broader society. It serves as a moral compass that promotes harmony and balance in various aspects of life. It encourages us to strike a balance between personal aspirations and societal well-being, avoiding extremes and excesses.

Dharma is closely linked to the concepts of justice and righteousness. It emphasises the importance of fairness, honesty, and justice in all actions and interactions, both at an individual and societal level. In the context of work and professions, dharma guides us on ethical conduct, fair practices, and fulfilling our professional duties with a sense of responsibility and integrity. It is not a rigid set of rules but is adaptable to different situations and contexts. It acknowledges that ethical considerations may vary based on circumstances, and individuals must use discernment.

One of the key principles of dharma is ahimsa or non-violence. This extends beyond physical harm to include non-harming thoughts, words, and actions. Dharma is a comprehensive concept in Indian philosophy that provides individuals with a guide for ethical and righteous living. It plays a foundational role in shaping personal, social, and professional ethics in the Indian cultural and philosophical context. It also helps in upholding ethical decision-making even in times of crisis, demonstrating a commitment to righteous conduct regardless of external pressures.

Dharma guides organisations to give back to societies by engaging in philanthropic activities as part of CSR initiatives and contributing to social welfare projects and initiatives. Principles of dharma inspire participative decision-making, i.e., moving away from strict top-down management to more participative and inclusive decision-making processes.

Here are several elements that contribute to the Indianisation of corporate culture via the dharma route:

1. Reflecting traditional values of respecting everyone within the organisation, irrespective of hierarchy
2. Recognising and accommodating the importance of maintaining a balance between personal and professional life
3. Promoting a sense of teamwork, collaboration, and collective responsibility
4. Incorporating celebrations of traditional festivals and rituals into the corporate calendar fosters a sense of community
5. Encouraging respectful and considerate communication styles and acknowledging the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of colleagues
6. Focusing on building and maintaining long-term relationships with clients, customers, and business partners
7. Integrating environmental sustainability practices and awareness into corporate strategies
8. Recognising and understanding the regional and cultural nuances in business operations
9. Active involvement in community development, contributing to social causes, and fulfilling corporate social responsibility (CSR)
10. Cultivating an organisational culture that is adaptable to change and open to innovation while respecting traditional values
11. Focusing on the holistic well-being of employees, including physical, mental, and emotional health
12. Allowing or encouraging employees to wear traditional attire on specific occasions
13. Encouraging fair and transparent business dealings, avoiding dishonesty, fraud, or exploitation
14. Emphasising honesty and integrity in all business transactions, promoting a culture of trust within and outside the organisation
15. Adopting transparent governance structures and practices, ensuring accountability at all levels of the organisation
16. Adhering to legal regulations and compliance standards, demonstrating a commitment to ethical business conduct
17. Adopting fair pricing practices, avoiding exploitative pricing strategies, and ensuring affordability for customers
18. Ensuring that sourcing practices align with ethical standards, promoting responsible supply chain management
19. Emphasising consensus-building approaches in decision-making, reflecting the cultural tendency towards collective decision processes
20. Being open to adapting global corporate practices to align with local norms and preferences

The Indianisation of corporate culture aims to create a unique blend that combines global business practices with the rich cultural heritage and values of India. It recognises that a culturally aligned work environment can enhance employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall organisational success. To foster diversity and inclusion in workplaces, it is significant that we recognise and appreciate the diversity of India’s cultural landscape, besides adapting corporate policies and practices to be inclusive of various cultural backgrounds, languages, and traditions. By integrating fundamental principles of dharma into business practices, organisations can contribute to a more ethical, socially responsible, and sustainable business environment. This approach not only aligns with traditional Indian values but also fosters trust and positive relationships with stakeholders, contributing to long-term success.

Dr Anil Agrawal, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; Sumit Kaushik, a PhD candidate at O.P. Jindal Global University and a social impact consultant. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.