Human resource departments of modern corporations are focused on how to ‘motivate’ the employees or how to egg them on to perform better and increase productivity. Kautilya uses motivational techniques in various departments of the state. Many of the methods can today be applied in the corporate world for handling employees.
Using his deep understanding of human nature, Kautilya developed a system of motivation which worked with the carrot, the stick, and much more. The application of his theory of motivation—Sama, Dana, Danda, and Bheda are unlimited.
This is the first step that should be taken whenever it appears that an employee is not working properly—listen to him. Have a clear insight into his side of the story. Senior managers get information from various sources. They will come to know the full picture if they listen directly from the person.
One can discuss and suggest various alternatives to solve a particular problem. If it runs deep, external experts could help.
Employees work for wages and salaries. That is the key motivating factor for them to be in the organisation. The next thing is ‘honour’. Without these two kinds of encouragements, no employee will have any reason, to continue working in that particular company.
Many employees may not show any signs of improvement in spite of constant prodding and various other efforts.
Dr Radhakrishnan Pillai is an Indian management thinker, author, and Founder of Atma Darshan and Chanakya Aanvikshiki. Dr Pillai has extensively researched Kautilya’s Arthashastra, the 3rd century BC treatise and incorporated it into modern management.
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