“ India is rated as one of the most corrupt nations in the world”. How would you apply Indian ethical practices to overcome this?

“ India is rated as one of the most corrupt nations in the world”. How would you apply Indian ethical practices to overcome this?

India is perceived to be a very corrupt country. According to the Transparency International, India ranks 69 out of 90 in the Corruption Perception Index. There are two approaches to the whole issue of corruption. One approach which may be considered as pragmatic, realistic and worldly wise is to accept that corruption is as universal as human nature and it is only the degree of corruption that can perhaps be controlled. The other approach is that corruption can be controlled and countries, which were once notorious for corruption, have been able to bring in greater probity in public life. One can do business, build property , earn profit and even then it can be managed with due recognition to human values and ethical values and respecting all persons in the enterprise ands in the society as human beings. The Indian ethos of management contains principles to guide one’s life. These principle are described in the Upanishads and Geeta

The following are certain principles as per Indian wisdom and insight:

a. Concept of Divinity:

These texts do not refer to any God, but to a certain divinity which pervades all beings. According to this concept all people are equal and divine to be dealt with equal respect. This attitude at work serves the interests of both the workers and customers. Discriminatory remuneration packages will be avoided , trust and support will improve, the sense of concern would make counseling and development more natural and  managers will find it easy to take disciplinary actions as there would be no feeling of remorse if severe action becomes necessary  Thus the work life will improve.

b.Concept of Man:

Man is constituted of various sheaths. The grossest of them is the physical body called “ annamaya” which constitutes of matter created by food. The second is sheath covering the physical body is the “pranamaya” which is related to the breathing. The third sheath is “ manomaya” which is the mind. The fourth sheath is the “vijnanamaya” – the power of discrimination. The final sheath is the “anandmaya” – eternal bliss. Every person has the capability to move from the constraints of the physical sheath and live in eternal bliss.

c.Concept of Karma:

According to this concept, the future of an individual depends upon what he does or does not do with his life. His actions (karma) and the consequences of his actions shape his future A major facet of karma is the work one does, and the attitude with which he goes about his duty. To work for selfish reasons, such as to be able to afford luxuries like convertible cars and swimming pools, is bad karma, especially when one craves these possessions to gain stature in society. Actions such as materialism restrain one from furthering his place in life and from attaining an honest satisfaction with his spiritual growth. One would ask whether on these premises it would be ethical to sell products like cigarettes. But providing the customer what he needs would not be unethical. Refusing to provide would be unethical. On this understanding this it  may seem proper to manufacture cigarettes. Good karma and advances towards knowledge are achieved first through the freedom to make the personal decision to work for the sake of getting the job done in a selfless manner. Only once one handles duty in this fashion will he find himself in progression.

d. Concept of Dharma:

The most central and core concept of Hindu philosophy is known as Dharma. All the other principles and values flow from Dharma. The word Dharma is formed from the root dhar and literally means to hold, sustain and maintain a thing in its being. There is no accurate translation of the word into English but it can be termed as a right action, right conduct, virtue, moral law etc. Every form of life, every group of people has its Dharma, which is the law of its being. Dharma is the duty or path of righteousness. Dharma comprises of  Satya (truth) , Yagna ( dedication) and Tapas (sublimation). The basis of Dharma is Truth Dharma or virtue is conformity with the truth of things; adharma or vice is opposition to it. In the Indian concepts there is no injunction against making profits. Kama and Artha are considered to be valid human pursuits. But Lobha( greed) and Moha(delusion) being excessive are deemed bad. Thus making profits would seem to be permissible while profiteering would not be.

e. Concept of Yoga:

The meaning of the word is essentially union and implies integration of all aspects of our being: body, mind and psyche. Its practice originated in the East (India) and there are various forms suited to the different natures of practitioners. Three paths have been delineated to achieve this purpose : Bhakti Yoga – The way of Devotion,  Karma  Yoga-action , clarity of thinking and Jnana Yoga – knowledge . Once these are realized employees contribution to corporate objectives can be achieved. To the customer, substandard products wont be sold, warranties would be respected, there will be no over pricing , misrepresentations or compromises with safety or environmental protection will be avoided.

f. Concept of Attachment:

Attachment to all material objects is the cause of all painful experiences. There is no need to renounce the world and retire to the jungles. Detachment is possible even while living in this world. One can look after the family with all love and care they need, because it’s one’s duty to do so. Attachment requires detachment form the sense of “mine”. In truth, nothing is “mine”. Possessions including relations and friends are transient in nature. They do not last. Neither should one be ecstatic at having it , nor be horrified at losing it. It is only when one is very proud about his possessions that he gets depressed at losing them. Non – attachment is the simplest technique to maintain equanimity. If one were to do things without attachment there is no consequence on the doer.  But if one were to sell drugs with a view that the addicts so formed would continue to add to profits this is an action with attachment.

The universality of man implied in the concept of Dharma , Karma and divinity help to reconcile the apparent divergence and to focus on social responsibility. That would be ethical , even if costly.