ANCIENT WISDOM FOR MODERN LEADERS: LESSONS FROM THE MAHABHARATA ON ETHICAL, STRATEGIC, AND TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Sayak Gupta; Puja Prasad; Rakesh Kumar

doi:10.29121/granthaalayah.v14.i2.2026.6805

Authors

Dr. Sayak Gupta Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Netaji Subhas University, Jamshedpur, India
Dr. Puja Prasad Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Netaji Subhas University, Jamshedpur, India
Dr. Rakesh Kumar Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Netaji Subhas University, Jamshedpur, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/granthaalayah.v14.i2.2026.6805

Keywords:

Ethical Leadership, Strategic Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Dharma, Cross-Cultural Leadership, Leadership Development, Ancient Wisdom in Management

Abstract [English]

Leadership in the modern era faces unprecedented complexity, ethical ambiguity, and the need for transformational capacity across organizations and societies. While contemporary leadership theories offer analytical frameworks, there is growing recognition that ancient philosophical texts provide rich, context-sensitive insights for guiding leaders. This paper examines the Mahabharata as a source of ethical, strategic, and transformational leadership lessons. Through a literature review and integrative discussion, the study highlights how key characters exemplify moral discernment, relational intelligence, and visionary guidance. Ethical leadership, grounded in the concept of dharma, illustrates the alignment of personal virtue with societal responsibility. Strategic leadership demonstrates the importance of foresight, stakeholder engagement, and moral accountability. Transformational leadership emphasizes self-development, service, and inspiration of followers. The paper also identifies future research directions, including cross-cultural applications, leadership development programs, ethical decision-making in technological contexts, and integrative leadership frameworks. By bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary theory, this study provides a holistic perspective on cultivating ethical, strategic, and transformational leaders for the complexities of the 21st century.

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