LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM THE MAHABHARATA: AN INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS PERSPECTIVE ON CONTEMPORARY LEADERSHIP THEORIES IN ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR
Keywords:
Indian Knowledge Systems, Mahabharata, Leadership, Organizational Behaviour, Dharma, Ethical Leadership, Transformational Leadership,,Abstract
The contemporary organizational environment is characterized by volatility, uncertainty,
complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA), requiring leadership approaches that combine ethics,
emotional intelligence, adaptability, and strategic thinking. Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)
provide a rich source of leadership wisdom rooted in philosophy, ethics, and human behaviour.
Among ancient Indian texts, the Mahabharata offers profound insights into governance,
conflict management, organizational conduct, and leadership. This paper analyses leadership
lessons from the Mahabharata through the lens of contemporary leadership theories in
Organizational Behaviour. Using a qualitative and interpretive methodology, the study
examines dimensions such as ethical leadership, transformational leadership, servant
leadership, emotional intelligence, and strategic leadership through the characters of Krishna,
Yudhishthira, Bhishma, Karna, Vidura, and Duryodhana. The paper argues that the
Mahabharata presents an integrated leadership framework grounded in dharma (ethical duty),
self-awareness, emotional regulation, strategic wisdom, and collective welfare. The findings
suggest that ancient Indian wisdom can significantly enrich management education and
leadership development programmes.
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