Mahatma gandhi's views on trusteeship and labour management relations and their relevance today

Few would dispute the notion that Mahatma Gandhi was one of the twentieth century's transformative political and spiritual leaders. He is the subject matter of many studies and biographies. Gandhiji stimulates intellectual interest as an original thinker on a variety of issues. That is why a number of scholarly studies on his ideas have appeared over the years. In this paper a humble attempt has been made to present “Mahatma Gandhi's views on Trusteeship and Labour Management Relations and Their Relevance Today.”

Gandhiji had immense faith in the goodness of man and he believed that many of the evils of the modern world have been brought about the wrong systems and not by wrong individuals. Gandhiji spoke at length regarding the need of generating spirit of cooperation between the workers and the proprietors of the factories and owners of other means of production and at several times made known his exhortations to both the parties to act as trustees on the resources of production. About trusteeship theory, He said that “My theory of trusteeship is no makeshift, certainly no camouflage. I am confident that it will survive all other theories. It has the sanction of philosophy and religion behind it.” If implications of his trusteeship theory are properly grasped by the modern labour managers they can easily tackle many of the day to day problems faced by them at their work places by gainfully applying them in consultation with the workers.

Trusteeship is the natural answer to modern management science. It establishes healthy and lasting relationship between employees, employers and management. In the strict sense the term is not just an instruction of business management but an ideology, which by its very nomenclature implies a determined sense of dedication

and commitment for the social welfare. In recent industrial relations trend in our country has added a greater meaning and dimensions to the teachings of Gandhiji. We are painfully aware that, in recent times, an atmosphere of violence is being let loose in settling labour-management disputes. The solutions to labour-management problems of today lie in properly understanding the Gandhian approach to industrial relations. For Gandhiji means and ends are equally important. Gandhiji strongly believed in the concept of settling industrial disputes through mutual negotiations and arbitration without any rancour between the parties. The system of trusteeship, as viewed by the Gandhian theorists, is of utmost relevance for resolving conflicts and for achieving cooperation in the organisational setting. Understanding each other better with respect for mutual rights and responsibilities is the surest way to settle all problems. The Gandhian philosophy of Ahimsa and peaceful conduct of relations and positive cooperation will lead us to the correct path of industrial relations. In a nutshell, it can be said that Gandhiji's philosophy of trusteeship can be relevant today because it is based on mutual respect, understanding, appreciation and compassion. If we conclude that nonviolence is not relevant today we are saying in effect that positive attitudes of respect understanding, appreciation and compassion are not relevant. If that be so then we cannot claim to be a civilised society.