Title: Deep stakeholders – reading cultures

Authors: Ian I. Mitroff, Jyotsna Sanzgiri

Addresses: Alliant International University, One Beach Street # 200, San Francisco, CA 94133-1221, USA; Center for Catastrophic Risk Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94703, USA; School of Public Health, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. ' Alliant International University, One Beach Street # 200, San Francisco, CA 94133-1221, USA

Abstract: This article focuses on the importance of understanding different cultures through their everyday myths and stories. As an example, we examine the mythological fables of the Indian Panchatantra. Although the Panchatantra was written around 300 BCE, it still continues to be read and used as a guide. Since the stories of the Panchatantra are retold and enacted all over India in many languages, venues and interpretations, each man, woman and child – literate and illiterate – understand its lessons. The language of the Panchatantra is the deeper language of the Indian culture. The lessons from its stories permeate our personal and professional lives.

Keywords: long-term business strategies; mythology; organisational culture; Panchatantra; fables; stakeholders; India; Indian culture; organisational learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2009.026221

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2009 Vol.3 No.4, pp.394 - 403

Published online: 29 May 2009 *

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