An Article by Radhakrishnan Pillai

Name of paper: MUMBAI MIRROR (Times of India)

Date: Monday, 16^th April, 07 (page 22)

WHAT A LEADER SHOULD NOT DO – 5

–          Radhakrishnan Pillai

(This weekly column will explore the relevance and application of Principles and Strategies of Chanakya as discussed in his 3^rd Century BC treatise, Kautilya’s Arthashastra, in Today’s Corporate World)

Controlling crime is an extremely vital requirement of any society. By not arresting criminals, the police not only gives support to existing criminals, but also encourages new criminals. On the other hand, if one arrests someone who should not to be arrested a new criminal is created.

A leader should be aware of this. For the same situation can easily arise in any corporate’s department or a company’s office.

Hence Chanakya says,

“Reasons for dissatisfaction of subjects: By seizing those who ought not to be seized; By not arresting those who ought to be seized” (7.5.19-26)

The classic book of Victor Hugo, Les Misarables, brings out this in a very dramatic manner. A person who gets arrested for stealing a loaf of bread under unavoidable circumstances gets into prison for over twenty years and – from a noble man – a criminal is born.

While taking any decision, the leader should carefully consider this aspect. But how will he avoid crime in a just way? Here are some tips for the same:

1. UNDERSTAND WHAT CAUSES CRIME

There are two reasons for a person to become a criminal: One is need and the other is greed. When a truly needy person does not get his basic needs fulfilled, he takes to the easy route of crime. Food, clothing, shelter and financial security are needed for every person. If these are not provided, there is high risk that the person can take to theft and robbery. A leader should have a complete knowledge of his subordinate’s basic requirements. He should even go that extra mile to make sure that even the employee’s families are taken care of.

2. CONTROL GREED

The second reason for a person to take to crime is greed. In spite of having a high standard of living, we find many criminals come from rich families. In such a case, the leader has to enforce the fear of punishment. If not punished, they can take the law for granted. “Arrest them” says Chanakya. Once given a loose hand, it is difficult to control them later. When one such powerful person is punished, automatically the others come under control.

3. MAKE AND APPLY SYSTEMS

The only way to keep crime under control is to make systems that are beneficial to the law and order of any state or organisation. However, just making systems is not helpful – it also needs to be applied properly. The law should not left in books alone. Rather, it should be used to maintain the social order.

Always remember that one cannot support a criminal even if he is the nearest person known to you.

As a thinker once said, “If you share your friend’s crime, you make it your own”

(The author is the director of ATMA DARSHAN, a company that provides services, including spiritual tours. He is a management consultant and trainer. He can be contacted at radhakrishnan@atmadarshan.com)