The relevance of Satvik management model from the Bhagavad Gita for business sustainability

Abstract

Satvik management is a consciousness-based management approach, which presents a spiritual perspective of management that can shape managerial ethical values and moral decision-making, which is critical for business sustainability during the current pandemic and in a world full of uncertainty. The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the Great Mahabharata, and it presents the essence of Vedic (Indian) spirituality. This is a first paper written on Satvik management in the management literature, and the authors employed hermeneutics, a qualitative methodology for interpreting texts. This paper contributes to the theory of personality (Satvik) and the organisational implication of Satvik management. The Bhagavad Gita suggests a Satvik spiritual management model with an intrinsic perspective or inside-out rather than an outside-in management practice. This paper is expected to provide a spiritual and philosophical perspective of management thought and wisdom in confronting and dealing with current management challenges for business sustainability in a turbulent business environment.