Institution building : Lessons from Vikrarn Sarabhai's leadership

Leadership actions are among the most complex to analyse, especially those involved in the creation and development of institutions. Drawing upon .Vikram Sarabhai's actions in the early stages of two institutions‐the Ahmedabad Textile Industry's Research Association and the Physical Research Laboratory— the authors provide insights for leaders of modern organizations. They present their analysis of the early stages of institutions around three basic strategies, all of which are built on the primacy of the individual as the core value. The three leadership strategies are networking, trusting, and caring. The leader played a multiplicity of roles in the network to impart relevant values through his personal relationships.