Leadership Insights from Jaina text Saman Suttam

Abstract

Leadership plays a leading role in the success story of any organization. Without leadership an organization may end up in confusion of people and other resources. Failures or lack of leadership can be found near the root of all problems. To be an effective manager, one must have some specific leadership qualities. It is necessary today for managers to understand the insights given in ancient shastras about leadership, as managers are the leaders of the nation. It is their job to manage things. As we are searching for effective leadership in organizations, we can get insights from the Jain scriptures. One of the most important works of Jaina philosophy is the Saman Suttam. It is an orderly and brief compilation of the essential principles of the Jaina philosophy. It offers many insights for new age managers.

The values or traits which emerge from the Jaina text can be considered as the real learning for all type of leaders. These serve as fundamental guidelines which could help managers evolve their leadership styles. This type of leadership will help creating a society where the ruinous struggle for power is renounced; where calm and peace prevail from conquest and defeat.