Page 105 - NITI - Navigating Indian Traditions in Industry

06
Sound Business

Music and Shilpa in Corporate Culture
Prof. Shaunak Mainkar and Prof. Darshan Bagade

Learning Outcomes:
• Recognize creativity’s role in fostering innovation and engagement.
• Understand the integration of music and art into organizational culture.
• Promote emotional intelligence and teamwork in business.
• Leverage artistic elements to build cohesive organizational identities.

Introduction:
The pursuit of harmony, precision, and balance has always been an integral part
of human culture, whether through the art of music or the structured practices of
craftsmanship (Shilpa). In both traditional Indian knowledge systems and modern
corporate structures, the underlying principles that govern success remain strikingly
similar. This chapter delves into the relationship between music and Shilpa
(craftsmanship or design) in the context of corporate culture, highlighting how these
age-old traditions can influence modern business practices, fostering creativity,
innovation, and organizational success.
In ancient India, music and Shilpa were
not just forms of art but comprehensive
systems of knowledge. Both disciplines
adhered to precise, codified principles that
emphasized balance, rhythm, and structure.
These principles laid the foundation for
many aspects of organizational culture that
we now embrace in the modern world—
particularly in team collaboration, product
development, and strategic alignment. By
exploring how music and Shilpa serve as
metaphors for organizational excellence,
we can uncover valuable insights into
building a sound and effective business
culture today.

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