Ethical leadership from Tamil Classical Literature – with reference to Thirukural

Abstract

With increasing incidents of fraud, scandals, corruption on global level, a need is
felt to create ethical organization. To create ethical organization, an ethical leadership at the top is needed. Top manager’s actions always provide a blueprint for what a firm’s corporate culture must be. Company’s important requirement on top is integrity, clear ethical values and standards. To maintain such ethical values and standards, corporate leaders should have higher moral development and ethical reasoning. Higher moral awareness is essential in order to achieve ethical organization standard.

During current years, demand for ethics training and ethical workshop are increasing among top US,European corporations. Moreover some professional institutions like AICPA (American institute of Certified Public accountant), IMA (Institute of Management accountants), and IIA (Institute of Internal auditors) etc have introduced Ethics course as primary requirement for all the members. As corporations embark on global market for competition, demands for global ethical standard are expanding, instantly leading to more ethical literatures and researches.

Various literatures preaching ethical values and moral living have been found in
classical Tamil language. Among them one of the most oldest famous literatures which
received world class scholar’s appreciation and additionally being translated into 30
different world languages is none other than “Thirukural”. This literature was crowned as one of the oldest ethical literature, which subscribes to the First Sangam Corpus. Mahatma Gandhi (Father of our nation) has commented this literature as a book of moral life. Several other western scholars also made the same remarks on such literature. In this study researcher tries to correlate Thirukural’s with that of contemporary ethical management theories, concepts and principles. Comparative study will be adapted with Thirukural’s meaning and interpretation with that of ethical management principles.

Researcher will identify those views, definition, context which significantly correlates with that of contemporary thoughts and will be presented in the study. This research will
explore traits and characters of ethical leadership.

Introduction
Need for ethical leadership is understood in recent years by various business
organizations for sustaining success in their field. Corporate scandals in recent years clearly projects ethical lapses at the top level (e.g. Satyam computers, City limousines,Enron, World com etc). Globally financial crimes are in increasing trend and general
public have lost their confidence on corporations. In addition to that, various studies also
indicate for more ethical awareness and reasoning among top executives. This might
enhance ethical climate in the corporation. Presences of strict legislation, corporate
governance, code of conduct for business and practice, etc, might promote ethical climate
in the business world, but still a need for more internal changes is felt (Schwartz, 2004).
Research suggests that managers’ ethics are related to perceptions of their leadership
(Morgan, 1993) and that leaders who behave ethically can have positive effects on the
attitudes and (ethical) conduct of others at all levels in the organization (e.g., Brown &
Trevino, 2006; Brown, Trevino, & Harrison, 2005; De Hoogh & Den Hartog, 2008;
Dineen, Lewicki, & Tomlinson, 2006; Reave, 2005). Such leaders may even ultimately
affect business unit or organizational performance (e.g., Aronson, 2001; Kanungo, 2001).
This paper will explore such traits and characters of ethical leaders which are necessary
for competitive business standards.

Classical language and literature

Tamil language has a very old history as a member of the Dravidian family of
languages spoken in India (Samuel (Eds.), 1990). In support of that claim, Hart (2000)
states that Tamil is one of the greatest classical literatures and traditions of the world and
the denial of classical language status for Tamil will be like denial of greatness and
richness of Indian culture. Though Tamil represents oldest classical language yet it is one
of the living classical languages among the dead list of classical language. Such richness
is noted very well throughout its literary works. Dravidian culture and traditions were
portrayed in every literature with reference to its context, application and situation.
Literary works of different nature are present in this language viz. devotional, societal,
philosophical, and ethical. One such oldest literature was Thirukural (here after referred
as Kural).

Kural – ethical literature
Various ethical literatures were identified and were live till date in Tamil
language. Among them the most famous literature which is receiving rich world class
appreciation is “Thirukural”. It attracted worldly scholars and philosopher’s of different
nationalities because of unique meaning and its simplest form. It is called as Kural due to
its shortest meter which is approximately not more than 1 ¾ in size.
Father of Indian nation, a renowned freedom fighter, Mahatma Gandhi once
commented that Thirukural as “text books full of indispensable authority on moral life”.
On the same line, eminent scholar Hart (2000) claims that “Kural is one of the greatest works on ethics on Tamil tradition and it has explored everything under human being
moral living”. Subsequently, Dr.E.W.Hopkins claims that Kural as “Mandatory ethics
for Tamil society”. Dr. Albert Schweitzer claims contemporary literary works compared
with Kural lacks ideal perception and ethical vision. Further adds that Kural goes beyond the paradigm of life and explains it. Numerous researchers including French translator for Thirukural, M.Ariel & Rev.Dr.J.Lazarus also made the same remarks on Kural.

Research methodology – Hermeneutics study
Researcher use qualitative research method in this study because this paper aims
to bring out the qualitative aspects of the ethical leaders and how they have been viewed during early centuries. Additionally, researcher is interested to bring the contemporary thoughts of Thiruvalluvar with that of the modern management practice.

Researcher applies Hermeneutics methodology in this research paper. Hermeneutics is a study interpreting and understanding ancient literatures and religious text (Muniapan., et al, 2008). It is widely used in the contemporary philosophical study to interpret the texts and meanings of all systems. Its popularity now spreads into social science, humanities and management research too. Researcher will consider Thirukural as the ancient script which will be interpreted using popular and famous writer’s commentaries. This conmmentarieswill be summed up to make concrete understanding about that Kural and its meaning. On
the other hand ethics management theories, principles, context, including definitions will be taken as latest records to compare with the ancient literature. From such comparison,an understanding about the contemporary thoughts of Kural will be recorded. This is called as comparative study method using Hermeneutics principles. This is claimed as a scientific method in qualitative research.

Ethical leadership from Kural
Thiruvalluvar has given considerable importance to Moral living. In appreciation
of that the primary category (adhikaram) built by Thiruvalluvar is moral living (Aram).This classification reveals Thiruvalluvar’s intention. First category is named as domestic virtue (Aram) which includes 1-38 division out of 133 and 39-78 division subscribes to wealth category (Moral earning – Porul). The balance 25 devoted to moral love life category.

This classification is itself a landmark for Thiruvalluvar’s thinking about ethics and ethical living. One can easily understand the mindset of Thiruvalluvar from this
classification.

Ethical management desperately requires ethical culture in the corporation (PWC,
report 2007). To set ethical culture in the corporation, a need for ethical leader is felt at the top. Usually top managers provide a blueprint for what a firm’s corporate culture should be (Eric, Reidenbach & Robin, 1989). Company’s important requirement from top is integrity, clear ethical values and standards (Larcker, 2002). One of the pioneer researchers in this field, Linda Trevino and Brown (2005) brought forth Moral person and Moral manager concept.

Moral person is characterized by ethical traits and Moral manager in the person who influence the team and leads in ethical way. Thiruvalluvar has
equally remarked the same under the division 39 (Characteristics of king), couplet (384)
In this couplet, Valluvar states that king should live by virtue and restrain from all
vices, not leaving his courage, he should rule the kingdom without losing his honor
(reputation) (G.U.Pope, p.57). The importance of ethical tone at the top for today’s
business climate was brought out very neatly by Valluvar in his couplet. The Kural is apt
for today’s business climate and advises that leaders need to be courageous enough to
retain such virtue habits (G.U.Pope, p.57). Highly sensitive ethical leaders & whistle
blowers were courageous enough to blow the whistle, when situation did not warranty
them (e.g. Cynthia cooper for world com). This Kural even considers reputation of the
king as one of the king’s supreme quality. According to Trevino and Brown (2000),
reputation is the important aspect for leaders and it covers two roles namely individual as
moral person and leading as moral manager.
Describing on ethical climate, “Business executives, the strategic leadership
responsibility for "initiating changes" has to include the goals of creating and sustaining
ethical climates within which employees act ethically as a matter of routine” (Terry, John
et al, 2004). The recent PWC report on Global economic crime survey, states that in US
about 76% of the frauds are done by internal peoples including senior 11% and balance
by middle management (PWC report. 2009). Therefore it becomes necessary to have
middle level management and higher level executives with high level of moral
awareness.
To subscribe to current news, Valluvar in the couplet (388) states that if ruler by
practicing virtue’s will emphatically proves morality and lives accordingly, then he is
pronounced as God for his kingdom. Practicing moral principles in action will always
make individual as principled leader. Kural also stresses the importance of moral
principles that king has to follow them and live to it. By this Valluvar becomes
contemporary in thoughts.
Moral Intelligence for Managers
This couplet (382) list out that Moral courage, Empathy, Moral Intelligence and
Positive thinking are four core qualities for king to adorn evermore (G.U.Pope, p.57).
Valluvar states that these four qualities should be the intrinsic nature for king. Under
lying in this Kural, Valluvar clearly states that these traits or attitudes bring ethical
intention / ethical awareness naturally to every individual. These four forces will
positively create impact to have ethical intentions and ethical behavior.

Moral courage
Empathy Moral intention/ Moral behavior
Moral intelligence leads to Moral action
Moral Intelligenc
According to Parimelazhagar urai (2002) couplet 382, out of all the four
characters moral intelligence is the key and rest of other traits will follow. Subsequently
following divisions are learning (40), Ignorance (41) and the possession of Knowledge
(43). In all these three divisions Kural emphasizes on moral intelligence (MI) clearly.
Couplet like 396, 407,421,422, 427, 429 & 430 stresses the importance of the MI in the
field and instills how without such knowledge the ruler is handicapped. Even Valluvar
claims that absence of such knowledge one is blind inspite of having eyes. In the couplet
422, Kural states “wisdom restrains, nor suffers mind to wander where it would, from
every evil calls it back, and guides in way of good (G.U.Pope, p.62)”. This highly
correlates with the definition of Moral Intelligence that unique intelligence which
determines how universal golden rules are applied to individual personal values, goals
and achievement (Lennick & Kiel, p.8). From our Honorable Chief Minister Dr.
Kalaignar’s commentaries on Kural, also admits that this couplet stresses on individual
with Moral intelligence will not have wavering mind, while person with low moral
intelligence will face ethical dilemma. Usually wandering mind or unstable mind is the
characteristic of low moral awareness. The moral intelligence could restore stability to
the wavering mind and brings moral awareness. This evidently confirms Thiruvalluvar’s
intention on developing moral intelligence centuries ago.
Ethics & Earnings management
Recent news release states, “Wall Street pressures to produce ever-higher earnings”.
Research was conducted to test this statement by conducting survey with 401 CFOs, 78%
said they would sacrifice "economic value" to achieve "smooth earnings," according to a
study by Duke University's John Graham. "One CFO characterizes such decisions to meet
earnings targets as the 'screw-driver effect,' " Graham says. "You turn the screw just a
Moral courage
Empathy
Moral Intelligence
Positive thinking
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little bit so that it fits." http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2004-
03-04-cfo_x.htm. This message highly correlates to the following couplet (113)
Earnings through unethical way or by its intention will not last longer where as earning
with ethical practice will be asset for the ruler (couplet 113).
Cognitive Moral development and Moral awareness
Cognitive moral development exhibits its nature based on the stages of
motivational level (i.e. Abraham Maslow’s theory of motivation). Person in esteem
motives (higher level of motivation) is less anxious, assertive, dominant and strives for
competence in interpersonal behaviour, while safety motive person (low level of
motivation) is more anxious, more passive, dependent, insecure, uncertainty,
insufficiency etc. Additionally they have lower moral development level (Ward &
Wilson, 2001). It’s necessary to have higher motivational level so as to have higher moral
development. This is greatly portrayed in Kural, couplet (595,596)
Both the Kural states the importance of having broader comprehension and
importance of developing “Self”. This can be correlated highly with Lawrence
Kohlberg’s Moral development theory that individuals are classified with level of moral
awareness as pre-conventional, conventional and post-conventional stage (Trevino &
Nelson, 2007). Pre-conventional stage will be individualistic approach and self centered.
At Conventional stage individual will fear for society and thinks about societal values,
but post conventional stage is where individual will be with broader awareness and
principle centered. Management requires highly ethical person to meet the complex
ethical dilemmas faced day to day in the corporation (Trevino & Nelson, 2004). It
becomes necessary that management need to develop such individuals with higher moral
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development for broader comprehension and values. Person with high Moral intelligence
or moral awareness will be showing greater moral principles. One such higher principle is
integrity and it is the hallmark for highly principled person.
Integrity and impartiality
Division 30 full length discusses the character of “being person of integrity”.
Thiruvalluvar goes forward and comments that person practicing such moral principle
need not practice any other virtues (couplet 297). In the second couplet (295), Valluvar
strikingly states that individual speaking honesty from their heart will be kept ahead of
saintly and charitable person. These two categories of person have empathy on others and
purely serve the needy people. If true, they can be placed at post conventional stage with
highly principled person. On the same line, individuals practicing integrity will be placed
ahead of these persons, if consistently speaking honesty. Speaking honesty needs higher
level of moral development due to open-mindedness and broader comprehension
including understanding other person mentality.
Division 4 (Strength of virtue) and 12 (impartial) entire 20 couplets bring out the
importance of the virtue and being neutral on every action. This division also stresses the
significance of having moral awareness as intrinsic value in the deep unconscious mind
(34) and the next couplet in order touches on four major bad elements that makes
individual mind corrupted (35). On couplet (39) Valluvar stresses that ultimate happiness
emanates from good deeds and thoughts (virtue). Under Division 12 Valluvar stresses the
importance of action. He emphatically says that good or mean personality is decided
based on the deeds they have left behind them (114). In this couplet, Valluvar clearly
brings out that awareness is clearly stated in moral action and deeds. That’s why the
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division 4 emphasizes on the importance of virtue and division 12 brings how to be a
professional person and independent.
Strikingly enough on the last couplet under division 12, Valluvar emphasizes on
the corporate social responsibility and ethics clearly. Specifically the Kural states that
thriving trader is a trader who guards another’s interests as his own (G.U.Pope, 2003).
This resembles the Freeman’s stakeholder’s theory. Corporation need to view
stakeholders rather than looking for their shareholders alone – broader comprehension
(freeman, 1984). In this couplet also Valluvar stresses on having higher moral
development like understanding other person’s values. This is stage 5 level III of
Kohlberg’s theory of moral development. Individual become aware of other people
values and needs. Individual change thinking from self centered to relatively societal
values. Such awareness of moral or ethical issues clearly differentiates individuals from
the bunch because of his moral intelligence. In sum, by investigating various divisions of
Kural, it is significant to claim that Kural stresses the importance of having higher moral
awareness which could be triggered by having moral intelligence.
Kural and other psycho-sociological theories (Importance of personality
development theory)
Kural can be correlated to various psycho sociological theories in general and also
in specific with the personality development theories. Stressing the need on the moral
intelligence clearly demonstrates the ethics as fundamental basis of personality for king.
Valluvar brings the importance of ethics for king because he could influence other
followers in larger extent. The other personality theories like Loevinger’s ego
development, Piaget’s theory of personality, and Abraham Maslow’s motivational
theories can also be related. From all this analysis, it is reasonable to conclude that
Valluvar believes the existence of “Self”. Equally, every one has to nourish & cherish
the “Self” to attain the higher level, which might help individual to gain unique
leadership quality.
Conclusion and future research
Researcher has attempted to bring out the thoughts of Valluvar with that of
contemporary Business ethics research. It is important to note that Moral intelligence,
10
Moral development and Moral awareness issues in the limelight nowadays but these were
built in the Thirukural centuries before. Also researcher has brought out the traits and
characters supported by Thiruvalluvar about an ideal ruler or king and which is the
requirement for various professional institutions even today (e.g. CPA, CMA, IIA, CFE,
Engineers, and Doctors etc)
Further research can be done to test empirically every Kural with that of
contemporary ethics management thoughts. Additionally, research can explore deeper
with every individual divisions and its relationship with ethics management (for e.g.
patience and perseverance, honesty, wisdom, speaking good, doing good deeds etc). For
designing psychological questionnaire instruments one can also use some of the popular
Kural too as Indian version. This is a maiden attempt made by the researcher to compare
some contemporary thoughts out of Kural and its importance to ethics.
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Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1605320