UBUNTU

UBUNTU Is a philosophic system that can be defined as humaneness, a pervasive spirit of caring and community, harmony and hospitality, respect and responsiveness that individuals and groups display for one another; which most important attribute is the high degree of harmony and continuity throughout the system.
Several South African companies have begun to embrace the guidelines of Ubuntu and to introduce them in their corporate practice with notable success. The guidelines are meant to provide a good starting point for managers wishing to incorporate the principles of Ubuntu in their organizations.
· Treat others with dignity and respect, everything hinges on this canon, including an emphasis on humility, harmony, and valuing diversity.
· Be willing to negotiate in good faith, being acknowledgment is a very important first step toward agreement and cooperation. Transparency and trust replace suspicion and hostility.
· Provide opportunities for self expression, honoring achievement, self-fulfillment, and affirmation of values are all important aspects of creating good will among employees.
· Understand the beliefs and practices of indigenous people, implementing strategies that can lead the company to success.
· Honor seniority, especially in leadership choices, seniority adds value trough experience, connections and the wisdom that older employees have form their record of past experiences.
· Promote equity in the work place; fairness is a value that is upheld in most cultures.
· Be flexible and accommodative, a carefully balanced blending, with flexibility and accommodation, holds the promise of greater value added to corporate performance.

taken from: http://www.usafricaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Nelson-Mandela-World-Cup2010.jpg

(Mangaliso, P. Mzamo, (2001) Building competitive advantage from ubuntu: Management lessons from South Africa, Academy of Management Executive, vol 15 no 3, pag 24)