Skip to main content

Karma-Yoga: Philosophy of Moral Development and Work Motivation

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Indigenous Indian Management

Part of the book series: Palgrave Studies in Indian Management ((PAIM))

Abstract

Karma-Yoga is the technique of intelligently performing actions and forms the basis of deciding the moral worth of an action. It explains a distinct motivation for action, based on one’s duty toward others. In this chapter, we describe the philosophy of karma-yoga, the beliefs which sustain and explain karma-yoga, detail the operationalization of karma-yoga; and locate this variable in relationship with other work-related correlates and outcomes. Finally, we highlight the practical implications of karma-yoga to individuals and present day organizations.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 149.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agarwalla, S., Seshadri, B., & Krishnan, V. R. (2015). Impact of Gunas and Karma Yoga on transformational leadership. Journal of Human Values, 21(1), 11–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Agrawal, M., & Dalal, A. K. (1993). Beliefs about the world and recovery from myocardial infarction. The Journal of Social Psychology, 133, 385–394.

    Google Scholar 

  • Badaracco, Jr., J. L. (1997). Defining moments: When managers must choose between right and right. Harvard Business Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Banerjee, G. R. (1964). Karma Yoga and social case work practice in India. The Indian Journal of Social Work, XXIV(4), 229–234.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bennis, W. G., & Thomas, R. J. (2002, September). Crucibles of leadership. Harvard Business Review, 39–45.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhajanananda, S. (2006). Selfless work: Its basis, methods, and fulfilment. Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhave, V. (2005). Talks on the Gita (16th ed.). Paramdham Prakashan Paunar.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bhawuk, D. P. S. (2011). Spirituality and Indian psychology: Lessons from the Bhagavad-Gita. Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chakraborty, S. K. (1998). Foundations of managerial work: Contributions from Indian thought. Himalaya Publishing House.

    Google Scholar 

  • Connors, J., & Heaven, P. C. L. (1990). Belief in a just world and attitudes toward AIDS sufferers. The Journal of Social Psychology, 130, 559–560.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dalal, A. K., & Pande, N. (1988). Psychological recovery of accident victims with temporary and permanent disability. International Journal of Psychology, 23(1–6), 25–40.

    Google Scholar 

  • Das, G. (1993, March–April). Local memoirs of a global manager. Harvard Business Review, 38–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dasgupta, S. (1991). A history of Indian philosophy (Vol. 1). Motilal Banarasidas (Original work published 1922.).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fu, P. P., Tsui, A. S., Jun, L., & Lan, L. (2011). Pursuit of whose happiness? Executive leaders’ transformational behaviors and personal values. Administrative Science Quarterly, 55(2), 222–254.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi, M. K. (1980). The Bhagvadgita. Orient Paperbacks.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gandhi, M. K. (2001). The gospel of selfless action (M. Desai, Trans.). Navajivan Publishing House (Original work published 1946).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghanananda, S. (1958). The dawn of Indian philosophy. In S. Radhakrishnan, H. Bhattacharyya, R. C. Majumdar, S. K. Chatterji, H. Kabir, S. K. De et al. (Series Eds.) & S. K. Chatterji, N. Dutt, A. D. Pusalker, & N. K. Bose (Vol. Eds.), The cultural heritage of India: Vol. 1. The early phases (2nd ed., pp. 333–344). Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghoshal, S. (2005). Bad management theories are destroying good management practices. Academy of Management Learning & Education, 4(1), 75–91.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, R. (1992). Crisis of Management Research in India. Economic and Political Weekly, 27(34), 1785–1786.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, R. K. (2011). The process of developing new concepts and theories, and its implications for doctoral education and research. Keynote address presented at the National Association of Psychologists, IRMA, Anand on December 12, 2011.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hafer, C. L., & Begue, L. (2005). Experimental research on just-world theory: Problems, developments, and future challenges. Psychological Bulletin, 131, 128–167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hunter, J. C. (1998). The Servant: A simple story about the true essence of leadership (2012th ed.). Crown Business.

    Google Scholar 

  • Indian Express (2007, December 24). Nooyi in Chennai, enjoying curd rice and katcheri. The Indian Express. Accessed from http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/nooyi-in-chennai-enjoying-curd-rice-and-katcheri/253599/ on August 21, 2019 at 0939 hours.

  • Johnson, R. E., Venus, M., Lanaj, K., Mao, C., & Chang, C.-H. (2012). Leader identity as an antecedent of the frequency and consistency of transformational, consideration, and abusive leadership behaviors. Journal of Applied Psychology, 97(6), 1262–1272. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0029043

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Joshi, N., & Krishnan, V. R. (2015). Impact of leader’s motives and Svadharma-orientation on transformational leadership. Great Lakes Herald, 9(1), 1–18.

    Google Scholar 

  • Keltner, D. (2016). The power paradox: How we gain and lose influence. Penguin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krishnan, V. R. (2007). Effect of transformational leadership and leader’s power on follower’s duty-orientation and spirituality. Great Lakes Herald, 1(2), 48–70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krishnan, V. R. (2008). The impact of transformational leadership on followers’ duty orientation and spirituality. Journal of Human Values, 14(1), 11–22.

    Google Scholar 

  • Krishnananda, S. (1991). The philosophy of the Bhagavadgita. Divine Life Society.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madhu, B., & Krishnan, V. R. (2005). Impact of transformational leadership and Karma-Yoga on organizational citizenship behaviour. Prestige Journal of Management and Research, 9(1), 1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mahadevan, T. M. P. (1958). The religio-philosophic culture of India. In S. Radhakrishnan, H. Bhattacharyya, R. C. Majumdar, S. K. Chatterji, H. Kabir, S. K. De, et al. (Series Eds.) & S. K. Chatterji, N. Dutt, A. D. Pusalker, & N. K. Bose (Vol. Eds.), The cultural heritage of India: Vol. 1. The early phases (2nd ed., pp. 163–181). Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehra, P., & Krishnan, V. R. (2005). Impact of Svadharma-orientation on transformational leadership and followers’ trust in leader. Journal of Indian Psychology, 23(1), 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Menon, A., & Krishnan, V. R. (2004). Transformational leadership and follower’s Karma-Yoga: Role of follower’s gender. Journal of Indian Psychology, 22(2), 50–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2006). Karma Yoga: A conceptualization and validation of the Indian philosophy of work. Journal of Indian Psychology, 24(1/2), 26–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2007). Karma-Yoga: Construct validation using value systems and emotional intelligence. South Asian Journal of Management, 14(4), 116–136.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2008). Karma-Yoga, the Indian work ideal and its relationship with empathy. Psychology and Developing Societies, 20(1), 27–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2009). Do Karma-Yogis make better leaders? Exploring the relationship between the leader’s Karma-Yoga and transformational leadership. Journal of Human Values, 15(2), 167–183.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2011). Is Karma-Yoga possible? Can we be hardworking without being ambitious? Great Lakes Herald, 5(2), 46–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2012). Transformational leadership and Karma-Yoga: Enhancing followers’ duty-orientation and indifference to rewards. Psychology & Developing Societies, 24(1), 85–117.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., & Krishnan, V. R. (2014). Karma-Yoga: The Indian model of moral development. Journal of Business Ethics, 123(2), 339–351.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulla, Z. R., Krishnan, V. R., & Kumar, N. P. (2018). Self-Concept of a Karma-Yogi. LBS Journal of Management and Research, 16(1 & 2), 4–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Narayanan, J., & Krishnan, V. R. (2003). Impact of Sattva and Rajas Gunas on transformational leadership and Karma-Yoga. Journal of Indian Psychology, 21(2), 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Navare, A. (2019). Karma Yoga: Conceptualization, scale development, and the implications on spirituality and positive psychology outcomes at the workplace (Unpublished Doctoral thesis). IIT Bombay.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pande, N., & Naidu, R. (1992). Anasakti and health: A study of non-attachment. Psychology & Developing Societies, 4(1), 89–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pati, S. P., Rastogi, A., & Kumar, P. (2017). Arresting burnout: The role of Karma yoga (Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode Working Paper, IIMK/WPS/221/OB&HR/2017/05).

    Google Scholar 

  • Prabhavananda, S. (1960). The spiritual heritage of India. Vedanta Society of Southern California.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radhakrishnan, S. (1926). The Hindu view of life. HarperCollins.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radhakrishnan, S. (1940). Indian Philosophy (Vol. 1). George Allen & Unwin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Radhakrishnan, S. (1971). The Bhagavadgita. George Allen & Unwin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ranganathananda, S. (2000). The message of the Upanishads: An exposition of the Upanishads in the light of modern thought and modern needs (8th ed.). Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ranganathananda, S. (2001). Universal message of the Bhagavad Gita: An exposition of the Gita in the light of modern thought and modern needs (3 volumes). Advaita Ashrama.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ranganathananda, S. (2005). The message of the Brhadaranyaka Upanisad: An exposition of the Brhadaranyaka Upanisad in the light of modern thought and modern needs (8th ed.). Advaita Ashrama.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rao, R. K., & Paranjpe, A. C. (2016). Psychology in the Indian tradition. Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rastogi, A., & Pati, S. P. (2015). Towards a conceptualization of Karma Yoga. Journal of Human Values, 21(1), 51–63.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rastogi, A., Pati, S. P., & Kumar, P. (2015). Measurement of Karma Yoga: Development and validation of Karma Yoga Instrument (KYI-6). Academy of Management Proceedings, 15941. https://doi.org/10.5465/ambpp.2015.15941

  • Shamir, B. (1991). Meaning, self, and motivation in organization. Organization Studies, 12(3), 405–424.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shamir, B., House, R. J., & Arthur, M. B. (1993). The motivational effects of charismatic leadership: A self-concept based theory. Organization Science, 4(4), 577–594.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, N., & Krishnan, V. R. (2005). Towards understanding transformational leadership in India: A grounded theory approach. Vision: The Journal of Business Perspective, 9(2), 5–17.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinha, J. B. P. (1997). A cultural perspective on organizational behavior in India. In P. C. Earley & M. Erez (Eds.), New perspectives on international industrial/ organizational psychology (pp. 53–74). The New Lexington Press and Jossey-Bass Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stampler, L. (2014, October 9). Microsoft's CEO tells women it's bad karma to ask for a raise. Time. Accessed from https://time.com/3486673/microsofts-ceo-satya-nadella-women-work-gender-pay-gap/ on August 21, 2019.

  • Swarupananda, S. (1909). Srimad Bhagavad Gita. Advaita Ashrama.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tavernier, R., & Willoughby, T. (2012). Adolescent turning points: The association between meaning-making and psychological well-being. Developmental Psychology, 48(4), 1058–1068.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, R. J. (2008). Crucibles of leadership: How to learn from experience to become a great leader. Harvard Business Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tilak, B. G. (2000). Srimad Bhagavadgita-Rahasya (B. S. Sukhantar, Trans.). Kesari Press. (Original work published 1915).

    Google Scholar 

  • Vivekananda, S. (1972). The complete works of Swami Vivekananda (eight volumes). Advaita Ashrama.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vivekananda, S. (2009). Karma-Yoga: The Yoga of action. Advaita Ashrama.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Zubin R. Mulla .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Krishnan, V.R., Mulla, Z.R. (2022). Karma-Yoga: Philosophy of Moral Development and Work Motivation. In: Pandey, A., Budhwar, P., Bhawuk, D.P.S. (eds) Indigenous Indian Management. Palgrave Studies in Indian Management. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-87906-8_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics