A creative synthesis of East and West in Business

Research in a New Approach to Management srinivasan@sriaurobindosociety.org.in

The other important aspect of our approach is that, in general, we will focus our attention on the unique strengths of the different cultures we will be dealing with -- East, West, Yoga and Business -- and not on their weaknesses. In other words our approach moves towards forging the strengths of the different cultures of the world and we will avoid or minimise disruptive criticism of their shortcoming. A critical approach to issues and problem has its validity; it helps to bring-out areas which are ignored or neglected; to spotlight corruption, exploitation, injustice, imbalance, dilution or distortion of the ideal.

For example, there was the need of a critical onslaught on the traditional western cultural values at an early period in our modern age, when western science, materialism and colonialism were striding over the world with an overweaning somnolence. There was a similar need for a critical view of business today when it ignores or disregards its ecological, social and ethical responsibilities. In fact much of the criticism leveled against the commercial globalism may be necessary and valid. But we feel that the emerging trends in business and society, in spite of many disturbing factors -- like for example the growing inequality or poverty -- is showing a net positive movement.

There is in the west an increasing dissatisfaction with purely material values, a growing aspiration towards a non-material fulfillment, and a genuine appreciation and admiration for the eastern spiritual values. And in the business world there is an increasing recognition of the importance of ecology, ethics and social responsibility. Our conviction is that in such changed condition, the right approach is to forge our unique strengths and foster positive trends in such a way that they are allowed to grow towards their highest potentialities.

When the light and power of these strengths and the positive tendencies become sufficiently strong, then the weaknesses and shortcomings will get neutralised or will disappear by themselves. For example when the idea of Social Responsibility becomes one of the major values of business, along with quality, customer service and innovation, it will have a positive impact on minimising the inequality created by globalisation. But in an integral evolutionary vision, we have to see and understand the current reality as it is, with all its pros and cons, and the obstacles to evolution. So we may not be able to entirely avoid criticism. But our emphasis will be on fostering the strengths and not on the criticism of weaknesses.

Our research project on "Business and the New World" will explore two main themes.

• First is a new vision of business based on an evolutionary spiritual humanism.
• Second is the possibility of business becoming an experimental workshop for a creative synthesis of Yoga and Management.

This second possibility, if it becomes a reality, can provide the insights, learning, experience and the capabilities for a creative synthesis of East and West in Business.