ANCIENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Modern managerial theories have evolved from ancient management practices. During ancient times several management techniques were practiced in running the government and in the army. There are so many records available which could prove the existence of these practices. Kautilya's Arthashastra, Chinese generals book on military strategy are few of those records.

INDIAN SCENARIO:
Arthashastra is the main source from which we can learn ancient management practices in India. It was written during fourth century BC. The word artha means sound economy, which Kautilya(Chanakya) says is the most important for a country. Chanakya was the chief minister during Chandragupta Mauryas rule. In that period everything from kings duties to responsibilities of other ministers and councilors were well defined. King is the main authority and then comes the chief minister, priest and other ministers. King appoints the chief minister and the head priest. Other ministers were appointed by king in consent with the chief minister and the head priest. The one who born in a high society with good education and possessing good qualities can only become a minister. Those possessing fewer of these qualities were appointed in lower rank positions. King usually monitors ministers and the common man using spies. Thus he ensures no conspiracy is made. Using spies he also monitored neighboring countries and enemies for any potential threat. King and other ministers form a council. Key government decisions were made during the council meeting. King also evaluates the performance of every minister and take corrective actions if needed. They used to have separate superintendents for each departments like treasury, accounts etc. Thus during ancient times everything was made systematic.

STORY OF PYRAMIDS:
Pyramids are architectural wonders built by ancient Egyptians. Building such a massive structure wasnt that easy. It required perfect planning, organizing and implementing which forms the basis of management. The pharaoh would first establish a committee composed of an overseer of construction, a chief engineer and an architect. Everyone was assigned some responsibilities. Once the design was ready they had to find the massive workforce to complete the project. Contrary to some popular depictions, the pyramid builders were not slaves or foreigners. Excavated skeletons show that they were Egyptians who lived in villages developed and overseen by the pharaoh's supervisors. Some of the builders were permanent employees of the pharaoh. Others were conscripted for a limited time from local villages. First builders villages(pyramid cities) were formed with bakers, butchers, brewers, granaries, houses, cemeteries, and probably even some sorts of health-care facilities to house the workers. To woo the workers those who worked on the pyramids were given tax breaks and were taken to 'pyramid cities' where they were given shelter, food and clothing. Some of these workers took pride in their work, calling their teams "Friends of Khufu," "Drunkards of Menkaure," and so on names indicating allegiances to pharaohs. This made others motivated and they put on more effort in finishing the project. An estimated 20,000 to 30,000 workers built the Pyramids at Giza over 80 years. Much of the work probably happened while the river Nile was flooded. Huge limestone blocks could be floated from quarries right to the base of the Pyramids. From stone pusher to priest, every worker would likely have recognized his or her role in continuing the life-and-death cycle of the pharaohs, and thereby in perpetuating the glory of Egypt. Without this proper system of management they Egyptians wouldnt have achieved this.

ROMAN EMPIRE:
Roman republic is a good example for studying ancient management practices. Emperor and senate forms the brain of the government. In theory, the emperor and the senate were two equal branches of government, but the actual authority of the senate was negligible and it was largely a glorified rubber stamp institution which had been stripped of most of its powers, and was largely at the emperor's mercy. Emperor was given authority over Rome's civil government, including the power to preside over and to control the Senate. He was also given authority over the Roman army including the right to declare war, to ratify treaties, and to negotiate with foreign leaders. Realistically, the main support of an emperor's power and authority was the military No emperor could rule the empire without the Senatorial order and the Equestrian order. Most of the more important posts and offices of the government were reserved for the members of these two aristocratic orders. It was from among their ranks that the provincial governors, legion commanders, and similar officials were chosen. Legion commanders were army commanders. They were given the responsibility to look after the Roman imperial provinces which are situated near Roman borders. Senators were also handed over some provinces to look after. Those were called senatorial provinces. Thus Roman empire had a system of management which resulted in the prosperity of Roman empire for several centuries.