Analysis of the Parable of the Sadhu

“The Parable of the Sadhu”

Lucia Rodriguez

MGMT 667

November 17, 2014

Dr. B. H. Kurbjeweit, JD

Analysis of “The Parable of the Sadhu

The following essay analysis Bowen H. McCoy famous article.  The article is about the experience of two Americans, two Swiss couples, a Japanese club, a group of New Zealanders all mountain climbers, in addition to the multi-cultural group of climbers were several guides (Porters and Sherpa’s), and a Pasang (a Nepalese woman to reach the summit of the world’s largest mountain).  These people were heading to a one-in-a-life time journey that is just about 18,000 feet above the sea level. The highest and tallest mountain of the world, the Himalayan Mountain which is located between India and the Tibet – was their target destination.  Their final destination was the Nepal Himalayan village, a trip that would last approximately 60 days.  

On their journey to the most fascinating place in the world the group was faced with an individual ethical dilemma that can be very well a good example of any company breakdown.  One of the New Zealander found a Sadhu, an Indian Holy-man; he was naked, and suffering from hypothermia. The Sadhu was lost for days because he chose the wrong trail.  The climbers assisted as much as they could by providing him with clothing and water.  Every one of the climbers did what they could; however, no one was willing to assume for the Sadhu.  This is a very good example either in organizations or as individuals.  People or managers lack of heritage values, ethics, core beliefs, lack of caring, and concern for others can ultimately greatly impact an individual or corporation. Each of climbers neglected to make sure that the Sadhu made it safe to his destiny, they were willing to do just their bit just so as long as it was not too convenient.  When it got to be a bother everyone just passed the buck to someone else and took off. Even Stephen, the anthropologist who is a committed Quaker with deep moral vision, neglected to assist the Sadhu—this because he felt he had no support from the other climbers.

McCoy’s central premise is that in business there is a Sadhu that will come across our lives or pathway.  McCoy is comparing the Sadhu incident to that of a complex-corporate situation.  McCoy thinks that the basis of a good company is that one that has a strong corporate culture and corporate value system. The climbers are the type of people that belong to a type of interpersonal organization or group because they believed that the best thing was to give the Sadhu aid, comfort; therefore, they felt they had provided adequate assistance.  Also, climbers believed help and responsibility was equally balanced among them, and believed that there was nothing else left to do.  McCoy believes that they all were thinking as in a Westerns approach--that in order to respond to a problem only thing require was to provide the needed one with money.  As a consequence, the fundamentals were not covered because climbers only worry about their well-being, neither the Sherpa’s, Porter, Swiss, Chinese nor New Zealanders were willing to commit themselves beyond certain self-imposed limits. The acts of the climbers prove to us that those with western ethical traditions are those with good moral foundations—something that they lack.