Postulation of India-Japan Vedic-Buddhist cross-cultural management cluster: conceptualizing a spiritual philosophy-based explanation for emerging theory
ISSN: 2040-8269
Article publication date: 20 January 2021
Issue publication date: 16 July 2021
Abstract
Purpose
Though there is emerging research that induces a postulation for a Vedic–Buddhist (V–B) cultural cluster, good theory development requires not only generalizability but also strong explanation. This paper aims to address the explanation gap to strengthen emerging theory development.
Design/methodology/approach
Religion-derived spiritual philosophy travel is traced from historical origins in India to contemporary Japanese management practice and its underpinning values.
Findings
The enhanced explanation developed in this paper finds a clear trace of spiritual values with roots in India surfacing in contemporary Japanese management as identified in extant cross-cultural management (CCM) literature.
Research limitations/implications
This paper offers important explanation to strengthen emerging theory on the novel idea of a V–B CCM cluster.
Practical implications
The strengthening of explanation for emerging theory adds to the case for modification of the traditional CCM meta-narrative that has positioned India and Japan in separate cultural clusters.
Social implications
Strengthening the postulation of a V–B cultural cluster potentially lubricates foreign investment from Japan to India contributing to achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal no. 17 that pertains to international partnerships. Additionally, the findings raise questions for public policymakers who in modern times occlude religion from the public sphere.
Originality/value
This paper offers novel explanatory perspectives for emerging CCM theory, potentially expanding the spiritual philosophy avenue of management research.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author is grateful to independent researcher Mrs Hitomi Ashta for inspiring thought on the novel ideas presented in this paper, including arranging insights to an understanding of Buddhism in contemporary Japanese society.
Citation
Ashta, A. (2021), "Postulation of India-Japan Vedic-Buddhist cross-cultural management cluster: conceptualizing a spiritual philosophy-based explanation for emerging theory", Management Research Review, Vol. 44 No. 7, pp. 1029-1041. https://doi.org/10.1108/MRR-06-2020-0345
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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