The Buddhist Approach on Rules and Regulations as a Motivation Factor

Abstract

A “rule” is a statement drawing a line between what must be done or not in aparticular situation. “Regulation” is the official rule made by an authority, whichexplains the procedures. Both involve punishments. As a fact, no one likes to be boundby rules and regulations. But, rules and regulations are needed to discipline society, tomaintain peace and harmony. The Buddhist approach regarding rules and regulations issome what different from the other approaches. Purpose of rules and regulations is toprevent a person from doing harmful things to him self and other members of thesociety. Buddhist teachings not only discourage a person doing bad deeds, but alsoencourage the person to do good deeds. As a result, rules and regulations act not as a demotivatingfactor but as a motivating factor. The purpose of this research is to identifythe characteristics of Buddhist approach to rules and regulations which can be applied toany organization to discipline the people.

Documentary study of Buddhist Human Resources Management concepts andthat of modern management theories is the method used in this research.

According to the Buddhist teachings the one who has an ill behaviour is a sickperson. So the action that is taken should be a treatment for his illness. Purpose ofpointing out a wrong deed is to help that person to correct that deed; and the punishmentshould be the treatment for sickness. When the punishment is over that person would becured

The characteristics of the Buddhist approach in rules and regulations can besummarized under following topics.

Need for the rules and regulations

Relationship between rules and regulation and organizational vision

Philosophy of the enacting rules and regulations

Buddhist way of disciplining

Philosophy of the settling disciplinary matters

Key words: Disciplining, Philosophy, Enacting rules and regulations, OrganizationalVision treatment