Business Sutra : A Very Indian Approach To Management

Language: English
Pages: 448

About the Book


In this landmark book, best-selling author,
leadership coach and mythologist Devdutt
Pattanaik shows how, despite its veneer of
objectivity, modern management is rooted
in Western beliefs and obsessed with
accomplishing rigid objectives and increasing
shareholder value. By contrast, the Indian
way of doing business-as apparent in Indian
mythology, but no longer seen in practice-
accommodates subjectivity and diversity, and
offers an inclusive, more empathetic way of
achieving success. Great value is placed on
darshan, that is, on how we see the world and
our relationship with Lakshmi, the goddess
of wealth.
Business Sutra uses stories, symbols and rituals drawn from Hindu, Jain and Buddhist mythology to understand a wide variety of business situations that range from running a successful tea stall to nurturing talent in a large multinational corporation. At the heart of the book is a compelling premise: if we believe that wealth needs to be chased, the workplace becomes a ranga-bhoomi-a playground where everyone is happy.
Brilliantly argued, original and thoroughly accessible, Business Sutra presents a radical and nuanced approach to management, business and leadership in a diverse, fast- changing, and increasingly polarized world.


About the Author


Devdutt Pattanaik has written over twenty- five books and 400 articles on Indian mythology for everyone from adults to children. Since 2007, he has been explaining the relationship between mythology and management through his column in the Economic Times; the talk he gave at the TED India conference in 2009; and the show Business Sutra which ran successfully on CNBC-TV18 in 2010, besides numerous other lectures at Indian universities and management institutes.