Relevance of Dharma and Karma in Business Sustainability: An Indian Ethico-Strategic Management Model

In an era marked by ethical crises, environmental degradation, and short-term profit orientation, the quest for a sustainable and value-based management paradigm has become imperative. This study explores the relevance of the Indian philosophical principles of Dharma (righteous duty) and Karma (action and its ethical consequences) in advancing the theory and practice of business sustainability. Drawing upon classical sources such as the Bhagavad Gita, Arthashastra, and Upanishadic thought, the research positions Dharma and Karma not merely as moral ideals but as strategic levers for organizational resilience, stakeholder trust, and long-term value creation. Employing a conceptual-empirical hybrid design, the study integrates literature review and Delphi insights from Indian scholars and business leaders to propose the Indian Ethico-Strategic Management Model (IESMM). This model unites Dharma’s ethical orientation with Karma’s outcome-oriented pragmatism, demonstrating how Indian ethos can guide sustainable corporate governance. Findings suggest that a Dharma-Karma-based approach aligns ethical intent with performance outcomes, transforming sustainability from a compliance-driven objective into a spiritually anchored, strategically sustained business ethos.