Power in the Corporate World
The corporate world’s search for supremacy over competitors and players from other industries can be summed up in one phrase the search for power. All CEOs refer to this struggle for power as though it was warfare strategy. No wonder then that the book The Art of War by Sun Tzu is often quoted by various CEOs in their strategy plans.
Kautilya’s Arthashastra is India’s contribution to the subject of warfare strategy. From the 15 books in Arthashastra, six books are dedicated to the art of warfare. A deep study of these chapters will give us an insight into the factors that contribute to the making of a powerful organization.
Kautilya outlines the various factors that lead to true power.
Intellectual Power
The power of knowledge. The corporate world is today led by knowledge workers. It’s the intangible asset of any organization, Management gurus across the globe are talking about the knowledge revolution that is sweeping through this century. The greatest commodity in the future will be ‘knowledge’. No wonder then that the richest man in the world, Bill Gates, is part of the IT industry which is only knowledge-oriented. Even the highest paid executives are evaluated on the basis of the knowledge they have gained over the years.
Man Power
Men are the assets of an organization. There are two kinds of manpower internal and external. Internal manpower comprises employees of the organization, the board of directors and the shareholders. External manpower includes the customers and suppliers. It is because of them that we exist. We have to focus on satisfying our customers. As Peter Drucker, the father of management, points out, “The aim of marketing is to know and understand our customers so well that the product or service fits them and sells itself.”
Financial Power
Financial success ensures the progress of an organization. A sound balance sheet is the parameter on which employees, shareholders, and stakeholders continue to give their support to the organization. As Jack Welch, the former Chairman of GE points out, “Nothing succeeds like success.” To be financially successful is very essential. It gives a lot of courage to the organization to not only share its profits, but to also reinvest it in various productive areas like research and development, venture into new projects and ideas, and contribute to social causes.
Power Of Enthusiasm And Morale
This is the most important factor of all. A leader who is charged with enthusiasm and a high level of morale can create the other three factors. Research has proved that the most productive organizations are the ones that create a very high energy level. The drive to ‘get more’ is the true sign of progress. Venturing into new markets, scaling high targets, working towards deadlines… all find their roots in enthusiasm. All great organizations have inspired leaders.