INTEGRATING TRI HITA KARANA INTO STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: A SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK FROM HINDU PHILOSOPHY

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and ethical leadership has challenged the dominance of Western-centric strategic management paradigms. While existing sustainability frameworks emphasize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, limited attention has been given to indigenous philosophical foundations that integrate spirituality and strategic decision-making. This study proposes a sustainable leadership framework derived from Tri Hita Karana (THK), a Hindu philosophical concept emphasizing harmony between human beings and God (Parahyangan), among humans (Pawongan), and between humans and nature (Palemahan). Using a qualitative conceptual approach supported by an integrative literature review, this paper develops a theoretical model that aligns THK principles with strategic management dimensions, including vision formulation, stakeholder management, organizational culture, and sustainable performance. The findings suggest that THK offers a holistic paradigm that integrates spiritual accountability, social responsibility, and ecological sustainability into strategic leadership practices. This study contributes theoretically by expanding the discourse on non-Western management philosophy and offers practical implications for organizations seeking culturally grounded sustainable strategies. The proposed framework provides a foundation for future empirical validation across diverse institutional contexts.