Ethical Leadership and the Relevance of Perennial Vedic Guidance
by Dr Linda S Spedding International Lawyer and Adviser (c)
Ethical Leadership Significance - Opening Remarks
In today’s business world in particular there is no doubt that ethical leadership is paramount. When one considers various key global issues including health, environment, cybersecurity and technology , energy, security ethical solutions are vital, especially as we witness a growing distrust of the ability and sincerity of world leaders in all sectors. A trusted and transparent leadership with long term - not only short term - objectives is most important for the fulfilment of potential peace and harmony leading to stability and prosperity for all. Moreover the role of the private sector is increasingly relevant in the context of crucial concerns including peace maintenance sustainable economic development and trustworthy relationships. This has been especially highlighted by the international experience of the Covid Pandemic and the ongoing Global Climate concerns, challenges and confusion. All the responsible parties of the private and public sectors,not for profit sector and individuals are relevant to the discussion of ethical leadership which, according to the Vedic Tradition and Principles, can be summarised in the word Dharma, meaning following one’s highest and most sincere duty.
Ethical Business Concerns
The absence of ethical leadership and unethical practices have led to major global business scandals such as Enron, Satyam, Lehman Brothers and WorldCom, as well as more recent cases, that have not only impacted on stakeholder trust but also led to massive reputation repercussions. Responsible players that have influence to create more value in Ethical Leadership are, as noted. generally from the
~ Public sector;
~ Private sector; and
~ Not for profit sector.
Stakeholder pressure has indeed been seen to make a positive difference to expedite improvement in corporate behaviour and standards, particularly since social media has become of major significance. Legal reform has occurred and conuin many jurisdictions to reflect more responsibility - such as in the Ecocide development.
Ethical leadership involves ethical conduct in all - public, private or not for profit settings To earn their status and ensure ethical values are aligned organisation decision makers should lead by example, transparency and open communication, avoid bias, be willing to accept responsibility and admit mistakes. This has significance and value that has both historical and future relevance for the resilience of the organisation.
Ethical Leadership encompasses:
Honesty and sincerity- Honesty makes ethical leaders worthy of the trust others place in them.
Justice - To be fair means to treat everyone equally
Respect - Ethical leaders respect others around them and listen to each stakeholder, foster inclusion, and value diversity in all communication
Integrity - Integrity is shown when values, words, and actions are aligned and consistent.
Responsibility and reliability - Responsibility means accepting to be in charge, embracing rights and duties in challenging situations.
Transparency -Transparency concerns mainly the communication with all stakeholders, an open dialogue
Trust and courage - Trust with fearlessness at all times
Ethical Leadership Characteristics therefore include:
knowledge of internal compass and values
consistent ethical behavior and fairness
admission of mistakes
willingness to assume full responsibility
zero tolerance of deviation from the ethical code
walk the talk
Perennial Wisdom - The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita - part of the Mahabharata Epic composed over 5,000 years ago by Sage Vyasa- is a timeless leadership classic and its invaluable perennial wisdom is highly relevant to contemporary leaders. The Bhagavad-Gita advocates a consciousness and awareness approach to ethics based on eternal values and moral principles to govern conduct It is not just a textbook of knowledge- it is the highest knowledge born on the human battlefield of confusion, fear, arrogance and ignorance, darkness and greed. The debate over one’s individual duty - one’s svadharma - is profound and perennial. Arjuna, both hero and questioner, seeks objective, unattached and highest explanations from Krishna who is the source of righteous conduct and Teacher of Dharma and Svadharma.
The person whose mind is always free from attachment, who has subdued the mind and senses, and who is free from desires, is a true leader who attains the supreme perfection of freedom from Karma through renunciation. To realise that in life the attitude of being the doer must change in order to fulfill one’s dharma. A key concept in Karma yoga, therefore, is to act unselfishly, or without personal gain in mind. When acting out of what is known as Nishkam Karma, an individual is acting without any expectation that good will be returned to him/her.
The perennial guidance of the Bhagavad Gita shows leaders how to lead ethically for the greater good of all stakeholders and society, avoid future scandals, integrate ethical directions and the principle of Dharma through the Guidance of Krishna, who is considered Dharmatman - one who imbibes the Dharma A key example of true leadership is Ram Raj - Rama as perfect ruler/leader in the Golden Age
Leadership in Vedic Wisdom: the Law of Dharma
Mind management that reminds the leader that they are not the doer so that they lead with positive personal Detachment is found in the main Characteristics of Law of Dharma:
Patience (dhriti) – Staying secure in peace.
Forgiveness (kshama) – Letting go.
Piety/self-control (dama) – Knowing that the best things come to those that wait.
Honesty (asteya) – Non-stealing; don’t take that which does not belong to you.
Sanctity (shauch) – Cleanliness in mind, body, and soul.
Control of senses (indraiya-nigrah) – Meditation, life force control, physical control .
Reason (dhi) – Benevolent intellect.
Knowledge or learning (vidya) – Spiritual knowledge.
Truthfulness (satya) – Realising that truthfulness brings about the highest outcome for you and others.
Non-anger (krodha) – Anger poisons our ability to lead our lives in a positive and powerful way.
Dasha Hara is a Vedic Sanskrit word meaning removal of ten bad qualities damaging for the individual and society:
Ahankara - Ego
Amanavta - Cruelty
Anyaaya - Injustice
Kama vasana - Lust
Krodha -Anger
Lobha - Greed
Mada - Excessive Pride
Matsaran - Jealousy
Moha - Attachment
Swartha - Selfishness
Universal Values
Principles and standards of behaviour linked to ethics are recognised universal values. Subjective ethical evaluations of what one likes, esteems, desires, approves, enjoys and consider important can be debated in the context of the universal values of peace, freedom, social progress, equal rights and human dignity. There are numerous references in law to these principles that underpin a happy, healthy life.
According to the Universal Declaration: “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services”.
Core Fundamental Values for Ethical Leadership to resolve Crises and Challenges
Perennial challenges continue in the world and there is no doubt that the recognition and implementation of core fundamental values are vital for resolving these challenges and avoiding more conflict and destruction. These sound simple but remain hard to find in human leadership currently:
Truth
Loyalty
Strength
Mercy
Compassion
Intuitive intelligence application to:
● Individual rights and Greater Good
● Community standards
● Short and long term considerations
● Justice
It is timely to consider the perennial wisdom found in Vedic Texts and Knowledge and to prioritise their implementation globally,
In today’s business world in particular there is no doubt that ethical leadership is paramount. When one considers various key global issues including health, environment, cybersecurity and technology , energy, security ethical solutions are vital, especially as we witness a growing distrust of the ability and sincerity of world leaders in all sectors. A trusted and transparent leadership with long term - not only short term - objectives is most important for the fulfilment of potential peace and harmony leading to stability and prosperity for all. Moreover the role of the private sector is increasingly relevant in the context of crucial concerns including peace maintenance sustainable economic development and trustworthy relationships. This has been especially highlighted by the international experience of the Covid Pandemic and the ongoing Global Climate concerns, challenges and confusion. All the responsible parties of the private and public sectors,not for profit sector and individuals are relevant to the discussion of ethical leadership which, according to the Vedic Tradition and Principles, can be summarised in the word Dharma, meaning following one’s highest and most sincere duty.
Ethical Business Concerns
The absence of ethical leadership and unethical practices have led to major global business scandals such as Enron, Satyam, Lehman Brothers and WorldCom, as well as more recent cases, that have not only impacted on stakeholder trust but also led to massive reputation repercussions. Responsible players that have influence to create more value in Ethical Leadership are, as noted. generally from the
~ Public sector;
~ Private sector; and
~ Not for profit sector.
Stakeholder pressure has indeed been seen to make a positive difference to expedite improvement in corporate behaviour and standards, particularly since social media has become of major significance. Legal reform has occurred and conuin many jurisdictions to reflect more responsibility - such as in the Ecocide development.
Ethical leadership involves ethical conduct in all - public, private or not for profit settings To earn their status and ensure ethical values are aligned organisation decision makers should lead by example, transparency and open communication, avoid bias, be willing to accept responsibility and admit mistakes. This has significance and value that has both historical and future relevance for the resilience of the organisation.
Ethical Leadership encompasses:
Honesty and sincerity- Honesty makes ethical leaders worthy of the trust others place in them.
Justice - To be fair means to treat everyone equally
Respect - Ethical leaders respect others around them and listen to each stakeholder, foster inclusion, and value diversity in all communication
Integrity - Integrity is shown when values, words, and actions are aligned and consistent.
Responsibility and reliability - Responsibility means accepting to be in charge, embracing rights and duties in challenging situations.
Transparency -Transparency concerns mainly the communication with all stakeholders, an open dialogue
Trust and courage - Trust with fearlessness at all times
Ethical Leadership Characteristics therefore include:
knowledge of internal compass and values
consistent ethical behavior and fairness
admission of mistakes
willingness to assume full responsibility
zero tolerance of deviation from the ethical code
walk the talk
Perennial Wisdom - The Bhagavad Gita
The Bhagavad Gita - part of the Mahabharata Epic composed over 5,000 years ago by Sage Vyasa- is a timeless leadership classic and its invaluable perennial wisdom is highly relevant to contemporary leaders. The Bhagavad-Gita advocates a consciousness and awareness approach to ethics based on eternal values and moral principles to govern conduct It is not just a textbook of knowledge- it is the highest knowledge born on the human battlefield of confusion, fear, arrogance and ignorance, darkness and greed. The debate over one’s individual duty - one’s svadharma - is profound and perennial. Arjuna, both hero and questioner, seeks objective, unattached and highest explanations from Krishna who is the source of righteous conduct and Teacher of Dharma and Svadharma.
The person whose mind is always free from attachment, who has subdued the mind and senses, and who is free from desires, is a true leader who attains the supreme perfection of freedom from Karma through renunciation. To realise that in life the attitude of being the doer must change in order to fulfill one’s dharma. A key concept in Karma yoga, therefore, is to act unselfishly, or without personal gain in mind. When acting out of what is known as Nishkam Karma, an individual is acting without any expectation that good will be returned to him/her.
The perennial guidance of the Bhagavad Gita shows leaders how to lead ethically for the greater good of all stakeholders and society, avoid future scandals, integrate ethical directions and the principle of Dharma through the Guidance of Krishna, who is considered Dharmatman - one who imbibes the Dharma A key example of true leadership is Ram Raj - Rama as perfect ruler/leader in the Golden Age
Leadership in Vedic Wisdom: the Law of Dharma
Mind management that reminds the leader that they are not the doer so that they lead with positive personal Detachment is found in the main Characteristics of Law of Dharma:
Patience (dhriti) – Staying secure in peace.
Forgiveness (kshama) – Letting go.
Piety/self-control (dama) – Knowing that the best things come to those that wait.
Honesty (asteya) – Non-stealing; don’t take that which does not belong to you.
Sanctity (shauch) – Cleanliness in mind, body, and soul.
Control of senses (indraiya-nigrah) – Meditation, life force control, physical control .
Reason (dhi) – Benevolent intellect.
Knowledge or learning (vidya) – Spiritual knowledge.
Truthfulness (satya) – Realising that truthfulness brings about the highest outcome for you and others.
Non-anger (krodha) – Anger poisons our ability to lead our lives in a positive and powerful way.
Dasha Hara is a Vedic Sanskrit word meaning removal of ten bad qualities damaging for the individual and society:
Ahankara - Ego
Amanavta - Cruelty
Anyaaya - Injustice
Kama vasana - Lust
Krodha -Anger
Lobha - Greed
Mada - Excessive Pride
Matsaran - Jealousy
Moha - Attachment
Swartha - Selfishness
Universal Values
Principles and standards of behaviour linked to ethics are recognised universal values. Subjective ethical evaluations of what one likes, esteems, desires, approves, enjoys and consider important can be debated in the context of the universal values of peace, freedom, social progress, equal rights and human dignity. There are numerous references in law to these principles that underpin a happy, healthy life.
According to the Universal Declaration: “everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services”.
Core Fundamental Values for Ethical Leadership to resolve Crises and Challenges
Perennial challenges continue in the world and there is no doubt that the recognition and implementation of core fundamental values are vital for resolving these challenges and avoiding more conflict and destruction. These sound simple but remain hard to find in human leadership currently:
Truth
Loyalty
Strength
Mercy
Compassion
Intuitive intelligence application to:
● Individual rights and Greater Good
● Community standards
● Short and long term considerations
● Justice
It is timely to consider the perennial wisdom found in Vedic Texts and Knowledge and to prioritise their implementation globally,