Dennis Heaton | Maharishi University of Enlightenment (original) (raw)

Papers by Dennis Heaton

Developing a Sustainability Mindset in Management Education, 2018

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 2016

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how small- and medium-sized organisations that ... more Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how small- and medium-sized organisations that were already participating in recognised sustainability programmes in Iowa, USA, in how they were utilising activities normally associated with human resources (HRs) to implement sustainability – activities included communication, engagement, incentives and recruitment and retention. Design/methodology/approach – The authors were interested in how small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were utilising HR functions to implement sustainability. This was an exploratory, qualitative research study utilised semi-structured interviews to obtain data. Findings – Based on the findings, some of the functions are being utilised more than others, with some activities not being implemented at all. Research limitations/implications – This research offers empirical research on how sustainability is achieved in SMEs. Practical implications – This paper outlines some practical methods that any SME co...

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 1999

Progressive stages in the evolution of organizations correspond to progressively deeper aspects o... more Progressive stages in the evolution of organizations correspond to progressively deeper aspects of the mind. The stage of task‐based management emphasized the more superficial sensorimotor and concrete thinking capacities; this approach of rigid rules and structures is now unsuited for an increasingly knowledge‐based economy. The next stage, process‐based management, makes greater use of the intellect of organizational members to design, implement, and evaluate systemic productivity improvements. A few organizations today demonstrate the lasting success of values‐based organizing, managing on the level of feelings and ego. The new millennium will see organizations that utilize the deepest level of human consciousness, connecting the human mind to the intelligence of natural law which spontaneously organizes for optimal simplicity, synergy, and holistic progress.

Handbook of Engaged Sustainability, 2017

The Learning Organization, 2017

Purpose This paper presents a philosophical and practical discussion of the role of development o... more Purpose This paper presents a philosophical and practical discussion of the role of development of consciousness for realization of a learning organization. Consciousness is the capacity to know, the capacity to learn. As the knower is, so is the knowledge. Development of consciousness can lead to more profound and holistic learning and enable organizations to flourish. Design/methodology/approach Models of the potential range of consciousness development from Western and Eastern psychology are discussed. Research regarding the Transcendental Meditation technique and its effects on mental development, brain functioning and managerial performance is reviewed. Findings The Transcendental Meditation technique leads to improved performance on multiple measures of intelligence, brain integration and exceptional levels of psychological maturity. Results of this technique in business settings have included growth of leadership behaviors, big-picture awareness, enhanced team problem-solving...

Advancing Innovation and Sustainable Outcomes in International Graduate Education, 2021

This chapter addresses how management education can propel the achievement of the United Nations ... more This chapter addresses how management education can propel the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by including tools for consciousness development within degree programs. Consciousness is the capacity to comprehend and care about the wholeness of life in ourselves, our society, and the natural world. Recent studies indicate that how individuals perceive challenges, formulate solutions, and collaborate with others is determined by their development of consciousness – that individuals functioning at higher levels of development are more likely to demonstrate sustainable leadership than those at lower states. To realize a sustainable world, universities must provide the necessary tools for students to transcend conventional thinking and experience higher states of consciousness. When the technologies of consciousness are included in management education, the world will realize a global shift towards a new sustainable paradigm.

Humanistic Management and Sustainable Tourism, 2021

Spirituality in Business, 2008

Global business today (Lawler and O’Toole,1 Hitt,2 Stead, Stead, and Starik3) calls for every wor... more Global business today (Lawler and O’Toole,1 Hitt,2 Stead, Stead, and Starik3) calls for every worker to set goals, influence other people, and create and implement process innovations that are cognizant of organizational systems, customers, and the natural environment—in effect, it calls for every member of the organization to be a leader. Can we rely on the leadership training and development programs today to cultivate such leaders? Despite society’s investment in the multibillion dollar leadership training industry, relatively little research exists on the effectiveness of leadership programs.4

Journal of Management Education, 2000

The system of education at Maharishi University of Management (MUM) provides a model for manageme... more The system of education at Maharishi University of Management (MUM) provides a model for management educators seeking to understand and teach spirituality. It locates transcendental consciousness—“pure spirituality”—at the basis of the universe and the human mind, experienced through the Transcendental Meditation (TM) program. Disciplines are taught as expressions of one unified field of consciousness. This integrated approach develops students who express “applied spirituality”— acting for the positive transformation of the quality of life for all. Research on educational outcomes at MUM gives evidence of cognitive, affective, and moral development in students. The authors offer suggestions for educators at other institutions.

Journal of Human Values, 2004

Environmental management (EM) is at a turning point in its evolution as a discipline. Daunting so... more Environmental management (EM) is at a turning point in its evolution as a discipline. Daunting social, ecological and spiritual problems of global magnitude implore EM to be inspiring and efficacious in theory and practice. Ironically, the present EM movement, in its ontologically dualistic configuration—measuring and manipulating the environment as an abstract, objectified economic resource for human gain—is unknowingly contributing to the very ecological degradation it wishes to ameliorate. In order for EM to become a truly ‘transformative epistemology’,1its praxis must ontologically transcend the narrow foundations of staunch empiricism, logical positivism and rationalism that now firmly gird it. As a possible alternative to EM’s ‘monological flatland’,2we introduce a holistic praxiological system grounded in the ancient Indian vedanta wisdom tradition. Natural law-based environmental management (NLBEM) portends a radical metamorphosis of EM into a discipline that makes a meaning...

Managing by the Bhagavad Gītā, 2018

In the Gītā, Arjuna’s fully developed mind knows it is his duty to fight for the side of righteou... more In the Gītā, Arjuna’s fully developed mind knows it is his duty to fight for the side of righteousness; but his fully developed heart feels deep love for his enemies, his very own kinsmen. Arjuna turns to Kṛṣṇa to guide him how to act ethically in this most extreme experience of the duality of heart and mind. Kṛṣṇa instructs Arjuna to transcend, leave the field of relativity, and experience the Absolute Self—“Be without the three Guṇas, O Arjuna, freed from duality”. Kṛṣṇa then gives the formula for effective and virtuous action—“Established in Yoga, perform actions”—be awake in the Absolute Self while engaging in action. These key verses from the Gītā convey the timeless wisdom that gaining enlightenment, higher states of consciousness, provides a foundation for ethical performance by leaders. When fulfillment in the Self is firmly established, the leader is naturally independent of possessions, and balanced in gain in loss. Such an enlightened leader acts for the welfare of the world, without personal attachment.

Spirituality and Sustainability, 2016

Human activity has been fundamentally disturbing planetary systems of our Earth. To solve the pro... more Human activity has been fundamentally disturbing planetary systems of our Earth. To solve the problems that we have created so far needs a different level of consciousness. The potential range of human development includes higher states of consciousness in which human awareness is profoundly connected to the holistic functioning of nature. By functioning in higher states of consciousness, it is possible to not just overcome the challenges of sustainability, but to advance toward flourishing-an optimal quality of life individually and collectively. Ancient Vedic seers were awake to the dynamic laws of nature's intelligence in their own Transcendental Consciousness. From their cognitions, they brought out practical knowledge concerning life in accord with natural law. Two of the technologies from this Vedic system of knowledge are the Transcendental Meditation ® (TM) technique and Maharishi Vedic SM Architecture. Extensive research has examined effects of the TM technique on the mind and body, including development to advanced levels of psychological development. Vedic Architecture aims to promote mental clarity, health, and good fortune for inhabitants. The case of 2000 Tower Oaks Boulevard, the largest commercial office building combining Vedic Architecture and green building, illustrates the application of Vedic technologies to harmonize human life with the ordering intelligence of nature. Transcendental Meditation ® , Consciousness-Based SM , Vedic Science SM , Maharishi Vedic SM Architecture, and Maharishi University of Management are protected trademarks and are used in the USA under license or with permission.

Corruption and Governance in Asia, 2003

The problem of corruption can be approached from each of three sets of factors that influence eth... more The problem of corruption can be approached from each of three sets of factors that influence ethical behavior in organizations — individual characteristics, organizational factors, and opportunity. This paper emphasizes individual characteristics — in particular, development of the consciousness of the individual, including the individual’s level of moral development. We review these stages of moral development, as identified by psychological research. At pre-conventional stages individuals are tempted by opportunities for personal gain. In conventional stages, individuals may go along with corruption to fit in with the norms of their social group. At post-conventional stages individuals have the independence of character to resist corruption and to act according to what they hold to be universal principles of right and wrong. We describe a highest state of moral development — a natural law orientation — in which individuals spontaneously act to promote the general good. Natural-Law Based Management is presented as an approach that employs techniques to cultivate individual development in the direction of a natural law orientation. The Maharishi Corporate Development Program has applied this approach in numerous corporate settings in India and around the world to improve the overall effectiveness, well-being, and right action of managers and employees.

Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, 2013

Journal of Adult Development - J ADULT DEVELOPMENT, 2000

Skip's published work provides abiding evidence of his intellectual brilliance and his bold visio... more Skip's published work provides abiding evidence of his intellectual brilliance and his bold vision. Just as importantly, however, the legacy of his immensely loving heart lives on through the transforming influence he had in the lives of those who met him. I best remember his beaming smile, his warm arm around my shoulders, his twinkling eyes so focused on just me, his resonant voice so full of wit and wisdom. Through these Skip taught me:

Handbook of Research on …, 2012

Management education is seeking creative innovations that can have a real impact on integrity. In... more Management education is seeking creative innovations that can have a real impact on integrity. In this chapter, the authors present our recent research on the relationship between integrity in the brain, as measured by the Brain Integration Scale, and measures of moral reasoning. Further, they summarize research indicating longitudinal growth in coherent brain functioning, intelligence, personality maturity, moral development, and psychological health through the Consciousness-Based approach to management education practiced at Maharishi University of Management. This research supports a potentially innovative approach to management education that does not just address education for integrity on the level of ethical theories or values, but demonstrably transforms the neurophysiology, leading to changes in moral reasoning and heightened effectiveness of performance.

Journal of Management, Spirituality & Religion, 2009

A qualitative study explored features of personal development in a group of entrepreneurs who wer... more A qualitative study explored features of personal development in a group of entrepreneurs who were long‐term practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation and TM‐Sidhi program. Subjects reported that their meditation practice enabled them to cultivate inner experiences, which they described as being anchored to an unshakeable, transcendental inner spiritual core. These entrepreneurs reported that this inner experience led to enhanced intuition and to broad awareness that embraced the wider interests of the community and environment. Findings are discussed with reference to prior scholarship about spirituality in entrepreneurs. This exploratory study contributes to understanding the mechanics through which spiritual values and behaviors might become more fully realized in the workplace.

Journal of Management Education, 2008

Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) City Campus is a private business college... more Community and Individual Development Association (CIDA) City Campus is a private business college that provides bachelor's degrees to economically disadvantaged students in South Africa. CIDA's model of management education is in stark contrast to conventional business schools, which are not accessible to or adapted to students from extreme poverty. To help overcome their disadvantaged backgrounds, CIDA students are provided with holistic education encompassing inner development and community spirit, not just career-oriented skills and knowledge. Furthermore, CIDA students are engaged in creating economic value for their school and their communities, in contrast to traditional education that sequesters students from productive engagement with their communities. The CIDA model provides lessons for management educators seeking to target impoverished students and their communities.

Learning Organization, The, 1999

... of prevention and treatment based on 40 aspects of the Vedic literature (Nader, 1995), includ... more ... of prevention and treatment based on 40 aspects of the Vedic literature (Nader, 1995), including Yoga, Ayur-Veda, Sthapatya Ved, and Jyotish. ... beyond sleep, dreaming and waking", in Gackenbach, J. (Eds),Sourcebook on Sleep and Dreams, Garland, New York, NY, pp.282 ...