A Historical Approach to Sustainability in Management

2018

Kuşakçı, Sümeyye (IHU Author) Even though sustainability as a modern phenomenon has its roots in 1970s, there exist historical texts directly or indirectly addressing managerial sustainability. Among these texts, books of advice deserve a particular interest because of their relevance to the field of management. Kutadgu Bilig is an advice text written by Yusuf Khass Hajib of Balasagun in 1070 and presented to the reigning prince of Kashghar. It has been accepted as “the oldest monument of Islamic Turkish literature”. According to Yusuf the key to a sustainable management is justice: “And if you desire everlasting kingdom, then do justice and remove injustice from the people”.This study aims…