Conceptualizing and Measuring Gunas

Abstract

Researchers in the field of cross cultural research have highlighted the need to study one culture in depth particularly to understand the complex causes of behaviors those managers in a culture manifest. This article reports the conceptualization and measurement of the Indian personality construct of Gunas; a possible predictor of ethics of Indian managers. The Indian scripture The Gita identifies three personality constructs, collectively referred to as Gunas, that are considered relevant for understanding ethical behavior. The article reports the development of a scale to measure three Gunas– Illumination, Passion and Dullness, through a four-step process. In the first step, construct definitions and items of the three Gunas are generated. The second, third and fourth steps report empirical studies conducted on different samples to assess the factor stability, reliability, discriminant validity, and other validities of the scale. The scale is used to predict spirituality, ethical frameworks and acts of software piracy in organizations. Implications for cross cultural research as well as practice are discussed.