This paper presents various models of human beings rooted in Indian thought. In Indian thought focus is on Self and its expressions. Purushartha theory, Trignuna framework and Panchkosh models provide us a basis for an understanding of various models of human beings. Rooted in these ideas this paper presents four models of human beings viz. Basket of needs, Modes of thinking, Hierarchy of deeds and Envelops of consciousness.

1. Models of Human Beings: Indian Perspectives and
Implications for Indian Management*
Subhash Sharma
Indus Business Academy, Bangalore
* Paper presented at the Indian Academy of Management {INDAM)
2020 Conference held at IIM Trichy, Jan, 2-4, 2020

2. Roots of Indian Perspectives
• Purushartha Theory
• Panchkosha
• Triguna concept

3. Four Indian Models of Human Beings
• Four Indian Models of Human Beings
• 1. Basket of Needs
• 2. Modes of Thinking
• 3. Hierarchy of Deeds/ Actions
• 4. Envelopes of Consciousness

4. Model I - Basket of Needs:
Concepts of Human Beings
• I. Bio-Spiritual entity
• II. Socio-Political entity
• III. Psycho-Economic entity

5. Basket of Needs
Economic/Wealth/
Money
Political/ Power
needs
Social needs/
Relationship needs
Biological
needs
Identity &
Self actualization needs/
Psychological needs
Self realization
need/ Happiness need/
Enlightenment need/
Spiritual needs
(Western Windows Eastern Doors, Subhash Sharma, 1996, p. 96)

6. Basket Model and Social Discourse
Adam SmithAbraham Lincoln
Max Weber
Darwin
Aurobindo
Maslow

7. Model II - Modes of Thinking
• Five modes of thinking/ Pentagon Model
• I. Power acquisition
• II. Calculative and acquisitive
• III. Knowledge acquisition
• IV. Concern for others
• V. Liberation (from domination/ oppression)
(Western Windows Eastern Doors, 1996, p. 15)

8. Modes of Thinking & Motives
Mode of Thinking Driving Force/Motive
I. Power acquisition Power
II. Calculative & acquisitive Money
III. Knowledge acquisition Intellectual
pursuits
IV. Concern for others Empathy
V. Liberation Change/
Transformation
(Western Windows Eastern Doors, Subhash Sharma, 1996, p. 15)

9. Self Rating on Modes of Thinking
• Mode of Thinking Low High
1 2 3 4 5
• 1. Power acquisition
• 2. Calculative
• 3. Knowledge acquisition
• 4. Concern for others
• 5. Liberation (from domination/
oppression)

10. Spider Diagram
CalculativePower
acquisition
Liberation
From domination
Concern for
others
Knowledge
acquisition
3 4 5
1 2
5 4
3
2 1
An Illustrative Spider Diagram

11. Model III - Hierarchy of Deeds
• Typology of Deeds/Actions: Tamas, Rajas, Sattava
• Three types of Deeds – 3 G Model
• G3: Graceful deeds/actions
• G2: Goodness
• G1: Greed
• (Hierarchy of Deeds: Western Windows Eastern Doors, Subhash Sharma, 1996, p. 75)
G1
G3
G2

12. Model IV- Envelopes of Consciousness
HB (Human Being) = (PE) Q * EQ * IQ * SQ * DQ
PE : Physical Energy
EQ: Emotional Quotient
IQ: Intelligence Quotient
SQ: Spiritual Quotient
DQ: Divinity Quotient

13. Expressions of Self in Market, Society and
Corporation
• Expressions of Basket of Needs, Modes of Thinking, Hierarchy of
Deeds and Envelopes of Consciousness in Market, Society and
Organizations
• Implications for Management in general and Indian Management in
particular