Page 64 - NITI - Navigating Indian Traditions in Industry

such as the 5 Whys or Pareto Analysis in business are rooted in the same principles of
rigorous inquiry as Nyaya. These frameworks ensure that solutions are grounded in
logical consistency rather than emotional or impulsive decisions.

Example: When facing declining customer satisfaction, a service provider uses the
5 Whys technique to trace the root cause to delayed response times. They analyze
operational workflows and implement automation tools to enhance efficiency,
demonstrating the practical application of Nyaya’s structured problem-solving
methodology.

3. Strategic Communication and Debate
The Nyaya system places great importance on structured dialogue, emphasizing
clear arguments (pratijna), supporting evidence (hetu), illustrative examples
(drishtanta), and logical conclusions (nigamana). This approach not only ensures
clarity but also helps in building trust and consensus among stakeholders. For modern
organizations, these principles are vital in negotiations, stakeholder management,
and conflict resolution. Effective communication, rooted in logic and evidence, fosters
collaboration and strengthens organizational relationships.
Example: During a merger negotiation, a company presents its case using clear
arguments supported by financial data (hetu), successful case studies of past mergers
(drishtanta), and a well-reasoned conclusion outlining mutual benefits (nigamana).
This structured approach reflects Nyaya’s emphasis on reasoned and persuasive
communication.

4. Risk Assessment and Mitigation

The emphasis on inference (anumana) in Nyaya highlights the importance of
anticipating outcomes based on observable patterns and logical reasoning. Businesses
today must adopt a similar approach to risk management, using tools like scenario
planning and predictive modeling to identify potential challenges and opportunities.
This proactive strategy ensures preparedness and minimizes adverse impacts.
Example: A manufacturing firm anticipating a raw material shortage uses trend
analysis (anumana) to forecast supply disruptions and preemptively secures alternative
suppliers. This foresight, inspired by Nyaya’s inferential reasoning, enables the
company to maintain operational continuity despite external uncertainties.

5. Focus on Knowledge and Continuous Learning

The pursuit of accurate and evolving knowledge is central to Nyaya. It acknowledges
that understanding is a continuous process that requires critical evaluation and
adaptation. Modern businesses echo this principle by emphasizing lifelong learning,

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