Sikhism and
Managerial Ethics
MEHH-23-2
XLRI Jamshedpur
Submitted By:Karanbir Singh (H23082),
Student, XLRI Jamshedpur,
Human Resource Management Program.
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6925-799X
Thesis statement: By following the ethical principles of Sikhism, managers can
create a more ethical and humane workplace that is beneficial for both
employees and the organization.
Abstract
Managerial ethics is a complex and evolving field, but it can be informed by
ancient writings and religious teachings. Sikhism, a relatively new religion, offers
valuable guidance on managerial ethics. Sikhism teaches that managers should
create a more equitable and inclusive workplace, promote sustainable and
environmentally friendly business practices, develop honest and ethical
marketing campaigns, and make ethical and responsible financial decisions. In
addition, Sikhism emphasizes the importance of sewa (selfless service) and vand
chakna (sharing one's blessings with others). By following these ethical
principles, managers can create a more positive and productive work
environment for everyone.
Keywords: : investment, ethics, business, labour, Sikhism.
Literature Review
Ethics in Business
Ethics is the study of right and wrong, and it plays an important role in all aspects
of life, including business. Ethical business practices are those that are fair,
honest, and respectful of all stakeholders, including employees, customers,
shareholders, and the community.
There are a number of benefits to ethical business practices. For example, ethical
businesses are more likely to attract and retain top talent, have higher customer
satisfaction, and experience stronger financial performance. Ethical businesses
are also less likely to face legal and regulatory challenges.
Important Factors in Ethical Business
The literature on ethics in business identifies a number of important factors,
including:
•
Honesty, fairness, and respect for others: These are core ethical values
that should guide all business interactions. Managers can demonstrate
these values by being honest and transparent in their dealings with
employees, customers, and other stakeholders. They should also treat
everyone with respect, regardless of their position or background.
•
Compliance with the law: Businesses have a legal obligation to comply
with all applicable laws and regulations. This includes laws and regulations
related to employment, environmental protection, and consumer safety.
•
Accountability: Businesses should be accountable for their actions and
the impact they have on their employees, customers, and the community.
This means being willing to take responsibility for mistakes and making
amends when necessary.
In addition to these general factors, there are a number of specific ethical issues
that businesses may face, such as:
•
Discrimination: Businesses should strive to create an inclusive
environment that respects diversity. Discrimination against employees,
customers, or other stakeholders on the basis of race, gender, religion,
age, or other protected characteristics is not only unethical but also illegal
in many jurisdictions. Companies should have clear policies and training
programs to prevent discrimination and promote diversity.
•
Environmental Protection: Businesses have a responsibility to minimize
their environmental impact. This includes reducing waste, conserving
energy, and using sustainable materials whenever possible. Companies
should also consider the environmental impact of their supply chains and
strive to work with suppliers who share their commitment to
environmental protection.
•
Consumer Protection: Businesses should prioritize the safety and
satisfaction of their customers. This includes avoiding misleading or
deceptive marketing practices and ensuring that products and services are
safe, reliable, and meet the standards claimed by the company.
Companies should also have clear and fair policies for handling customer
complaints and returns.
•
Bribery and Corruption: Businesses should maintain high standards of
integrity and transparency. Engaging in bribery or corruption, either
directly or indirectly, undermines trust and can have serious legal
consequences. Companies should have strict anti-corruption policies and
should provide training to employees to recognize and avoid corrupt
practices.
Sikhism is a relatively new religion, but it offers valuable guidance on managerial
ethics. Some of the most relevant ethical principles from the Sikh Gurus'
teachings include:
•
Non-exploitation of labor: The Sikh Gurus taught that all people are equal
and that no one should be exploited. This principle is reflected in the
quote, "If blood touches the clothes, it becomes unclean. One who drinks
the blood of others, why will their minds be clean?" (SGGJ, p. 140).
Managers can apply this principle by treating their employees fairly,
providing them with safe working conditions and fair wages and benefits,
and by avoiding any form of exploitation.
•
Equality and non-discrimination: The Sikh Gurus taught that all people
are created equal and that no one should be discriminated against on the
basis of caste, gender, religion, or any other factor. This principle is
reflected in the quote, "First God created light, all creation is product of
nature. The whole world is product of the same light, who can be good or
bad?" (SGGJ, p. 1349). Managers can apply this principle by creating a
workplace that is fair and inclusive, where everyone feels valued and
respected.
•
Communication and transparency: The Sikh Gurus taught that
communication and transparency are essential for building trust and
maintaining healthy relationships. This principle is reflected in the quote,
"Till the time we live in this world, Oh Nanak: let us listen something, say
Something." (SGGJ, p. 661). Managers can apply this principle by
communicating regularly with their employees, being transparent about
their decisions and plans, and by listening to and responding to feedback.
•
Honesty and integrity: The Sikh Gurus taught that honesty and integrity
are essential for living a moral and ethical life. This principle is reflected in
the quote, "To grab what is another's is evil. As pig's flesh is to them and
cow's flesh is to them. Spiritual Guide will stand by only when carcasses
are not eaten." (SGGJ, p. 141.) Managers can apply this principle by being
honest and transparent in all of their dealings with employees, customers,
and other stakeholders.
Implications for Managerial Ethics
The Sikh Gurus' ethical teachings have a number of implications for managerial
ethics. Managers can apply these principles to their work in a variety of ways,
including:
• Creating a more equitable and inclusive workplace: Managers can use
the Sikh Gurus' teachings to create a workplace where everyone feels
valued and respected. This includes developing policies and procedures
that prevent discrimination and harassment, and providing training on
unconscious bias and cultural sensitivity.
• Promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices:
The Sikh Gurus taught that it is important to respect and protect the
environment. Managers can promote sustainable and environmentally
friendly business practices by investing in energy-efficient equipment,
reducing waste, and sourcing materials from sustainable suppliers.
• Developing honest and ethical marketing campaigns: The Sikh Gurus
taught that it is important to be truthful and honest in all dealings.
Managers can develop honest and ethical marketing campaigns by
avoiding false promises or misleading customers, and by being
transparent about their products and services.
• Making ethical and responsible financial decisions: The Sikh Gurus taught
that it is important to be responsible with one's finances. Managers can
make ethical and responsible financial decisions by avoiding taking on too
much debt or engaging in risky investments. They should also be
transparent with their shareholders and stakeholders.
By following the Sikh Gurus' ethical principles, managers can create a more
ethical and humane workplace that is beneficial for both employees and the
organization.
Conclusion
Sikhism offers valuable guidance on managerial ethics. By following the Sikh
ethical principles of non-exploitation of labor, equality and non-discrimination,
communication and transparency, and honesty and integrity, managers can
create a more ethical and humane workplace that is beneficial for both
employees and the organization.
Managers can apply these principles to their work by creating a more equitable
and inclusive workplace, promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly
business practices, developing honest and ethical marketing campaigns, and
making ethical and responsible financial decisions. In addition, managers can
encourage employees to be entrepreneurial and to participate in the decisionmaking process, and invest in employee training and development to help
employees reach their full potential.
By following the Sikh ethical principles, managers can create a more positive and
productive work environment for everyone.
References :
Singh, N. (2013), Truthful Living: Sikh Thought and Practice in Economic Life, 3rd
Sikh Studies Conference, Department of Sikh Studies, University of California,
Riverside, USA
Ray, N. (1967). The Sikh Gurus and the Sikh Society, Indian Institute of Advanced
Study, Shimla.
Miller W. D. and Timothy Ewest, (2010), Rethinking the Impact of Religion on
Business Values: Understanding its Reemergence and Measuring its
Manifestations, Journal of International Business Ethics, Vol.3 No. 2.
https://www.iimb.ac.in/sites/default/files/2018-07/WP_No._439.pdf