Introduction

The word “soul” is shorthand for the deepest, truest or most obviously unique nature of whatever or whoever we are referring to. A soul is the moral and deliberate regulation and life of the organization. The “soul” of an organization consists of those aspects that make it distinctively what it is – for good or ill. Tom Chappel, in his book “The Soul of a Business: Managing for Profit and the Common Good”, states that working people at every level can realize personal values and meaning in their jobs without compromising excellence, and competitiveness. The question which arises is “Can soul really help redesign a business to benefit all stakeholders namely employees, communities and the organization itself?”

“The illiterate of the future will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” (Alan Toffler)

To be competitive in a changing world, it is not only essential that organizations incorporate and learn new technology and “do more with less”, but it is critical to create structures to help people cope with changes in the rules. Creation of networked societies has created new rules wherein customers are more demanding, loyalty and hard work are interpreted differently and sustainable growth is no more a buzzword. With these new mantras, can soul searching be of paramount importance not only for organization that is facing erosion of constancy but for the people as well who are lost and directionless.

How ironic that we are returning to the same old golden rules. In today’s wired and networked world, the repeat business from loyal customers is no longer just the best business; it’s the only business. In this ever changing firmament, where the constancy of change is the only permanent thing, it is important to seek and find clear goals. Can soul searching help organizations and the people associated to move forward with joy and ease? Many people feel totally unconnected to the new reality that is around them. Business structures have changed so spectacularly, organizations are asking, “How do we sustain?” Those who compete and win will be those who have the vision and the ability to take a good hard look at reality, understand it, accept it, and take action today to be successful tomorrow. Just as breathing is essential but not the sole purpose of living, making money is essential but not the sole purpose of business. The role of business as an activity intended to create wealth for its owners by maximising profits does not seem viable in current economic scenario. Businesses need to shift focus from materialistic concerns to philosophical thinking. The question is “What type of mind-set do organizations need to be able to survive, win and sustain? What is the way to connect, communicate and co-exist?

Objectives

This conference is the gathering place for individuals and companies committed to building profitable and sustainable enterprise while solving some of the business’s toughest problems. The Conference is intended to enable professional exchange of ideas, discover new trends and critical knowledge to prepare an organization for a world where profits, people and the values are truly interconnected.