This article explores the relevance and application of Principles and Strategies discussed in the 3rd Century BC treatise, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, in Today’s Corporate World.

Getting promoted should not be demanded, it should be commanded. Promotion from one position to the next is directly related to the results produced.

Kautilya in the matter of promotions tells the leaders,

“He (king)should make those his ministers who, when appointed to tasks, the income from which is calculated (beforehand), would bring in the income as directed or more, since (thus) their qualities are proved” (1.8.13)

The quality of a person is proved by his output. But here, Kautilya becomes more specific emphasizing the productivity of the employee by saying - promotion is to be considered with the income the employee brings to the organisation. Such a person should be made a minister (at a senior managerial position).

During a job interview, the employer talks about the pay package in terms of CTC - Cost to company. At this point of time, the employer calculates the expenses he would incur on the candidate if he were to recruit him. The employer will also look into the probable revenue generated by the candidate and accordingly, decide upon the package.

If given a particular assignment or project, the manager has a fixed budget within which he has to operate. There is also a particular profit expected from the project. If at the end of the project if the profits (or more profits) are made, or even budgeted expenses are reduced - such a person should be considered for promotion.

So what can an employee learn from the above sutra?

1. Make a financial contribution

Every employee irrespective of the department he belongs to; should make a financial contribution justifying his remuneration paid by his organisation.

Dr Makrand Tare, an Human resource management (HRD) specialist while addressing a group of HR managers said, “Even if you are in HR, you should contribute to your company in terms of financial gains, either by bringing down costs or by increasing productivity of your employees”

2. Show your result in numbers

Just because you have made a financial contribution, do not sit there. Show your results to you seniors in terms of numbers. Make a report, make a graph and tell your bosses how you - being a part of the project – have made a significant contribution. Learn to sell yourself at every stage of your career.

3. Think like an employer

Give more than you take. Do not expect a promotion or an increment at the end of each year. Ask yourself, what your boss wants from you. Work in that direction. Produce more wealth for your organisation, than what you consume.

A MBA student during his campus interview was asked, “What is your salary expectation?” His answer was, “Sir that is for you to decide at this stage. At the end of six months let us review my performance together. That time I will tell you what my expectation is”. He was immediately recruited. 

Contributed by  - Radhakrishnan Pillai