Applying holistic principles in management development

• Published in: Journal of Management Development Vol. 25; no. 4; pp. 368 - 385
• Main Authors: Shefy, Erella, SadlerSmith, Eugene
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: Emerald Group Publishing Limited 01.04.2006
• Subjects: Leadership; Management development; Management philosophy; Oriental philosophy
• ISSN: 0262-1711
• DOI: 10.1108/02621710610655837

Purpose In preparing managers for the uncertainty, threats and opportunities posed by the challenge of frequent and unexpected changes in organizations and markets, an alternative to a traditional Western viewpoint is a holistic approach that embodies balance and harmony, sees more subtle relationships and avoids the tensions of opposites. The purpose of this paper is to report the derivation and application of six holistic principles for management development quieting the mind, harmony and balance, relinquishing the desire to control, transcending the ego, centeredness, and the power of softness derived from a nonWestern philosophy. Designmethodologyapproach The six principles were implemented in a management development program in a small hightech company. The reported effects upon the managers' role perceptions and behaviors were captured in immediate and delayed evaluations by means of facetoface interviews. Findings The analysis of the interview data identified four underlying values that managers reported emerging from their involvement in the program emotional awareness, shared perspectives, interpersonal sensitivity and benevolence and fulfilment. Research limitationsimplications The research is an actionbased single case study which was evaluated longitudinally using participants' perceptions. Further work is now required to apply these principles more widely and assess them using pre and posttest measures of attitudes and behaviors and upward360 degree assessments. Practical implications The broader impact of a holistic approach for management development in terms of personal and spiritual fulfilment as well as its significance of corporate issues is discussed. Originalityvalue The paper presents a challenging and innovative approach to developing managers holistically and provides a counterbalance to the predominant approach of much management education and development.