At a recent training program at the local office of an MNC I was told unambiguously by the participants: “The rule is clear. If we are told by our ‘white’ counterpart to do it then we just have to do it.” I asked for further explanation before jumping to conclusions. What I was given to understand was that even though the American and Indian offices ostensibly work together, it is understood that one person’s word will have to be accepted over another even at the same designation level. No, that is not done after talking it over but is the diktat straight away.
So what is this?
From the one side the American company may just believe that its local employees are better-equipped to take more suitable decisions than its Indian employees. It may feel that it has better controls this way. It is not so confident about its employees who don’t have the American approach and training. And, it is ready to take the responsibility for that decision.
From the other side, the Indian employee could feel like almost bonded, mute labour. And in such a situation, a designation could become a bit of a joke. The self-esteem of the person who has to work in such a place may take a daily beating. He may stick around but with no interest or sense of pride in his job. Not the best way to grow an organisation, I imagine.
Not surprisingly, I have on many occasions found the energy and morale in this place very low. Lackadaisical time-keeping, initial ennui among participants; unimpressive co-ordination are some of the very unattractive features during the sessions.
So I continue to ponder: What makes people stay in such a work environment? Does the new generation have a completely different, may be a more practical take on this? Am I reacting with the cross of History on my shoulders? Do Indian MNCs have similar, unwritten rules for their employees in the West?
Have you been exposed to this kind of governance, directly or indirectly? Please do share your thoughts.
