Search Results

Abstract: In an era of uncertainty regarding ethics and erosion of values among leaders, lessons from ancient Indian wisdom are perennially relevant. This empirical research investigates how the ethical principles of the Mahabharata and Ramayana have shaped modern leadership behavior. The core concepts of dharma (righteous duty), seva (service), satya (truth), and nishkama karma (selfless action) constitute the basis for researching how awareness and internalization of these values influence ethical leadership among managers and postgraduate students in Karnataka. Data from 180 respondents was collected by using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, and SEM analyses by SmartPLS were conducted. The findings indicate a positive association between epic ethics awareness and ethical leadership practice. Besides, dharma and seva are the best predictors of moral decision-making and integrity. The present study confirms that the Indian epics have eternal relevance as an ethical compass among contemporary leaders and can be used in leadership development programs. Such a linkage between classical Indian philosophy and modern leadership studies advances the understanding of culturally oriented ethical leadership models and underlines the transforming power of ancient wisdom in the contemporary organizational context.