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1 – 10 of 288
Book part
Publication date: 3 October 2007

Kala Saravanamuthu

The Gandhian-Vedic approach to development is synonymous with the advancement of spiritual agency. It emancipates society by trying to raise people's interconnectedness with…

Abstract

The Gandhian-Vedic approach to development is synonymous with the advancement of spiritual agency. It emancipates society by trying to raise people's interconnectedness with nature, mitigating capitalism's hegemony of consumerism on people's psyche and hence reducing the chances of individuals perpetuating the cycle of exploitation by adhering to capitalist norms. That is, the Gandhian-Vedic approach to discursive accountability minimises the risk of circularity in the dialectics of contradictions, which occurs when consenting behaviour replaces existing contradictions with another set of contradictions. It enables the actor to step off capitalism's treadmill of materialism and exploitation by centralising spiritual development. Its spiritual revolution involves caring for the whole whilst engaging with social structures. Here the Gandhian-Vedic logic is extended to emancipatory accounting by developing accounting as a discursive risk assessment tool that minimises the fragmentation of time and space aspects of performance. Its holistic representation of performance could change perceptions about interconnectedness between an individual's behaviour, nature and society. It is the antithesis of conventional accounting's prioritisation of private interest over responsibility for the whole.

Details

Envisioning a New Accountability
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7623-1462-1

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2008

Kozo Koura and Balvir Talwar

The purpose of this paper is to share the findings of a comparative study of the TQM elements deployment model and the universal business excellence model (UBEM) Vedic matrix…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to share the findings of a comparative study of the TQM elements deployment model and the universal business excellence model (UBEM) Vedic matrix. Comparative research of the essence of BEMs incorporated in the TQM elements deployment model and additional points identified in UBEM Vedic matrix will facilitate multi‐dimensional business growth.

Design/methodology/approach

The TQM elements deployment model unveils the reasons of enactment and social influence of BEM through review of four major quality awards namely Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, European Quality Award, Japan Quality Award, and Deming Prize. UBEM integrates the Vedic philosophy with synthesis of BEMs and emphasizes that the ultimate goal of business is Universal well‐being. The study involved inputs from the essence of Vedic hymns incorporated in the Vedic matrix of UBEM and the synthesis of major quality awards incorporated in the TQM elements deployment model using principal component analysis.

Findings

The UBEM Vedic matrix is constructed based on a broad understanding of the Vedic philosophy. The TQM elements deployment model is constructed based on TQM concepts, quality assurance aystem and quality management system. The former can be called a management concept thinking model and the latter can be called a management system thinking model. It is concluded that the sustenance and growth of an enterprise lies in harmonization with global society.

Research implications/limitations

Comparative research is an attempt to integrate the best practices of the West incorporated in the BEM with the Vedic philosophy of the East, which derives infinite creativity, actions and power from the universal laws of Nature. It is an example for researchers to explore several other areas to integrate the best of both worlds (East and West) and provide a new direction for the mankind.

Practical implications

The comparative research provides additional inputs, which may be used during review of the BEMs and national quality awards in the various regions of the world and hence are of relevance to all BEM custodians. The study is expected to help in a review of the national business excellence strategies worldwide.

Originality/value

The paper is one of the first to focus on integration of BEMs and the Vedic philosophy. The UBEM Vedic matrix identifies practicing values and measuring multiple bottom‐lines as key to sustainable growth. Its integration with the TQM elements deployment matrix is useful to enhance the effectiveness of BEMs. Principal component analysis methodology used in this paper for comparative study is also useful for comparative studies of the quality award criteria.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2001

Kai Druhl, Janis Langstaff and Nancy Monson

Presents a critical analysis of the “planned change” and “learning organization” approaches to organizational change, and their underlying classical and quantum paradigms. Drawing…

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Abstract

Presents a critical analysis of the “planned change” and “learning organization” approaches to organizational change, and their underlying classical and quantum paradigms. Drawing on a review of the corresponding paradigms in modern physics, concludes that both approaches are incomplete, as they fail to identify a common unifying basis for the organization. Identifies as a unifying basis the “subjective” aspect of the organization, which is accessible in the consciousness of its individual members; then locates a comprehensive framework for organizational change in the worldview of the ancient Vedic tradition of knowledge. The corresponding strategy for organizational development is based on the utilization of systematic, effective techniques for the development consciousness which have been introduced by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Empirical research has shown these techniques to develop the mental, physiological and social capacities of the individual. It is predicted that this consciousness‐based strategy, applied in the organizational context, will simultaneously strengthen the alignment between the organization’s goals, the development of the individual and the needs of the environment.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 1994

Nandish Patel

It would not be unreasonable to assume that among educationists there isan implicit understanding of the development of education in Westernsocieties as being directly related to…

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Abstract

It would not be unreasonable to assume that among educationists there is an implicit understanding of the development of education in Western societies as being directly related to the progress of industrial and commerical society. This view has credence in parts but is not entirely supportable, since it legitimizes the concurrent view that the development of knowledge regarding the institution of education has been linear with respect to time. On the contrary, many aspects of modern education which we accept as being temporally progressive had existed in Hindu Vedic society in the distant past over 9,000 years ago. Moreover, educationists in that society practised aspects of education which are not found in contemporary practice, aspects which deserve the attention of modern researchers of the institution of education.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 8 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 September 2014

Sharda Nandram

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how management education in India can benefit from applying a Vedic Learning style. It argues that transformational learning, a key to…

448

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss how management education in India can benefit from applying a Vedic Learning style. It argues that transformational learning, a key to transforming mindset, also increases the importance of ethical behavior in management education.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a literature review of Vedic education principles and transformational learning. It focusses on how to apply it in the management education.

Findings

It presents an analysis of Vedic Learning, the Indian mindset and the role of transformational learning in Indian management education. While there is a decline in practicing Vedic Learning in India, in fact, it carries a huge potential for all-round development which would transform management education. The paper proposes ingredients for management education following Vedic Learning in terms of philosophy, designing programs, teacher's role, teaching environment and by integrating different types of skills for management.

Practical implications

It implies that management education can be designed in a Vedic Learning style for revitalizing practical wisdom for facing the challenges of modern society, both in India and other parts of the world.

Originality/value

It strengthens the relevance of the concept of Vedic Learning and shows its similarities with transformational learning.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 33 no. 8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

A.K. Sharma and Balvir Talwar

With increasing competitiveness today's business scenario has become highly complex. Aims to focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), which has become increasingly

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Abstract

Purpose

With increasing competitiveness today's business scenario has become highly complex. Aims to focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), which has become increasingly important in the modern era.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion and approach are taken.

Findings

CSR encompasses a wide variety of concerns such as ethical values in business, welfare of society, awareness, respect and protection of the natural and built environment as regular action that business can take to solve the problems being faced by the Society. CSR is an integral part of Vedic philosophy. Vedic philosophy emphasizes that those actions, which are coming from the core of heart, will provide the long lasting results. Veda advocates for minimum accumulation, mutual cooperation and maintenance of natural harmony. Veda reiterates non‐centrality of money in human life, but for corporations money is the real nerve of business systems. Vedic economic philosophy is pure and focused on “Prosperity for all”. The present study attempts to critically evaluate the modern concept of CSR and enrich it with the path described by Vedic philosophy to attain the corporate excellence.

Originality/value

Focuses on issues such as corporate accountability, corporate ethics and disclosure of relevant corporate information which are increasingly becoming important centres of attention in business.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

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Article
Publication date: 25 June 2021

Lee Fergusson, Anna Bonshek, Sanford Nidich, Javier Ortiz Cabrejos and Randi Nidich

To examine whether quality-of-life of a home's occupants varies in northern and southern hemisphere homes when the orientation of the home is always to the eastern sun (as…

Abstract

Purpose

To examine whether quality-of-life of a home's occupants varies in northern and southern hemisphere homes when the orientation of the home is always to the eastern sun (as prescribed by Maharishi Vedic Architecture) not orientated differently in northern and southern hemispheres to maximise light (as prescribed by western and Feng Shui architecture design).

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical discussion of the use of sunlight and orientation in western, Feng Shui and Vedic approach to architecture, and then a cross-sectional quantitative survey conduced in 14 countries.

Findings

The lived experience of 158 home occupants in Maharishi Vedic Architecture did not vary from northern to southern hemispheres.

Originality/value

Research of this type has never been carried out before on Maharishi Vedic Architecture, except for one other study published in 2020 by these authors which considered the lived experience of home occupants. The amount of research on the basics of Vastu architecture is minimal.

Book part
Publication date: 24 June 2013

Tara Ratnam

This chapter examines the problem of teacher education as it unfolds in the Indian context. It focuses on the historical and cultural context in which teachers’ attitudes and…

Abstract

This chapter examines the problem of teacher education as it unfolds in the Indian context. It focuses on the historical and cultural context in which teachers’ attitudes and identities develop. Attention is particularly paid to contextual factors that frame teachers’ actions beyond individual intentions. Possibilities for breaking these frames and engaging in new alternatives for action are imagined. An historical approach is employed to understand teachers’ current pedagogical beliefs and action, and its future orientation.

Details

From Teacher Thinking to Teachers and Teaching: The Evolution of a Research Community
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-851-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2007

Anil K. Sharma and Balvir Talwar

The purpose of this paper is to evolve the Universal Business Excellence Model (UBEM) with the integration of common features of business excellence models (BEMs) with universal

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evolve the Universal Business Excellence Model (UBEM) with the integration of common features of business excellence models (BEMs) with universal laws of nature to facilitate multi‐dimensional business growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Business has focused on accumulation of wealth at the cost of society for decades. It has resulted in socio‐economic, political and environmental problems and led to the evolution of quality, environmental, HSE systems and BEMs, etc. Vedic philosophy emphasizes that a core function of business is to create wealth for “Well being of society”. To evolve UBEM, synthesis of BEM, e.g. the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA), the European Quality Award (EQA) and the Deming Prize has been undertaken to identify the common and unique issues. In addition, certain issues not adequately addressed in BEM but emphasized in Vedic hymns have been empirically tested to check their applicability in the current business scenario.

Findings

The paper finds that UBEM stresses that profit is not the ultimate objective of the business, but a means to achieve the sustainable success. Interestingly, professionals of various age groups, different countries and backgrounds have overwhelmingly supported the concept in empirical study.

Research limitations/implications

Hymn from Rig‐Veda explains that physical as well as moral laws govern the entire universe. Vedic philosophy derives infinite creativity, actions and power from the universal laws of Nature. This paper is an attempt to integrate philosophy of the East with modern practices of the West. It is an example for researchers to explore several new areas to integrate the best of the both (East and West) and provide a new direction to the mankind.

Practical implications

The use of the UBEM will make it easier for practicing managers to reach the right decisions for sustainable success.

Originality/value

The UBEM identifies the “values and process flow” and measurement of “multiple bottom‐lines” as the key to success. Integration of “organization vision” with “universal wellbeing” leads to sustainable success and provides an access to the infinite power of “cosmic energy” to ensure multi‐dimensional growth.

Details

Measuring Business Excellence, vol. 11 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-3047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1996

Harald S. Harung, Dennis P. Heaton, William W. Graff and Charles N. Alexander

Investigates higher stages of human development in some of the world’s most accomplished performers. Indicates that far more frequent experiences of a silent, expanded, restfully…

2019

Abstract

Investigates higher stages of human development in some of the world’s most accomplished performers. Indicates that far more frequent experiences of a silent, expanded, restfully alert and non‐attached state of heightened awareness characterize those individuals who display outstanding skill and accomplishment in their action. Interprets these findings in the light of the Vedic Psychology of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, which describes higher states of consciousness in which peak performances are all‐time phenomena rather than extraordinary happenings. There is widespread agreement that only very few individuals reach the highest stages of human development; as a consequence, there is a considerable latent human potential in organizations and society.

Details

Journal of Managerial Psychology, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0268-3946

Keywords

1 – 10 of 288