INDIA
Tata Group needs to revisit its architecture
It is time for Tata to seriously evaluate whether the group structure has lost relevance and has, over the years, become an impediment and driver of mediocrity. And whether shifting to a structure where the group lets go of control and acts like a financial investor, with the individual companies being board-run without the Tata brand name, is a much better option
BUSINESS
The decline of an empire
The US dollar, not its merchandise or services, became America’s principal export. After decades of enjoying this benefit, US finds itself confronting multiple challenges, including lack of competitiveness in manufacturing. Some of the present global bloodbath was therefore inevitable. History has amply demonstrated that no change in global world order has ever happened without a major bloodbath
TRENDS
Where silence works well
Narayana Murthy comes with a formidable reputation based on professional success. It makes people take his observations and opinions on matters outside his area of professional expertise seriously. Therefore, it’s important that he avoid dishing out quick fixes for complex problems. Avoiding expressing an opinion in a public forum on subjects one is unfamiliar with is okay
BUSINESS
Share buybacks by listed companies is a bad idea
The best way to boost share price is through business performance, not financial engineering. Buybacks, in particular, are unfair to the patient investor who stays invested. If a firm has surplus cash and no meaningful avenue of deployment, a special dividend is a clean option to return money to shareholders
BUSINESS
India’s Quest for Job Prosperity: Growing challenges amid rising inequality
India faces a job crisis marked by complex trade-offs and rising inequality. While GDP growth and the IT sector have created some jobs, challenges persist. The socio-economic structure remains fragile, complicating efforts for inclusive growth and meaningful employment opportunities for all
TRENDS
The fight for a 48-hour week shouldn’t be forgotten by those demanding unduly long work hours
It is perfectly acceptable for individuals who have significant financial rewards tied to long hours to voluntarily put in any number of hours they wish to. Individuals driven by a passion to make the world a better place are also known to work long hours. But to advocate such long hours for everyone is nothing short of an exhortation to return to the exploitative practices of the early days of the Industrial Revolution
BUSINESS
Why I believe that India’s rise is inevitable
Collaboration between builders of public goods, governments, non-profits, and commercial enterprises is probably at its best, and this is unleashing unprecedented energy, and creating hope and optimism not seen before
BUSINESS
TN Hari On Viral HDFC Bank Video: Companies must pay greater attention to reference checks and causes of toxicity
The viral video has blown up on the company’s face. Creating a good work culture is time consuming but a few wrong hires are all that’s needed to destroy it. High growth expectations lead to excessive prioritising of short-term outcomes, and leaders turn a blind eye to behaviours that create long-term damage
BUSINESS
TN Hari writes: Wipro salary cuts show that skills matter for bargaining power, not college degrees
Entry level salaries in IT services are too low. Matching skills to jobs will prevent the current excess labour situation that is driving down salaries. Current approach of solely placing faith on education to guarantee a job is flawed
BUSINESS
TN Hari on tech layoffs: Companies must be generous with severance
Tech companies hiring aggressively only to find themselves bloated and facing skills mismatches isn’t anything new. But go about layoffs compassionately
BUSINESS
Moonlighting | Unreasonable employers will find it difficult to attract, retain talent: TN Hari
Expecting underpaid workers to work unlimited hours by restricting what they can and cannot do in their free time is the central issue
TRENDS
TN Hari: Is the end-game near in online grocery?
To imagine the future, it would be helpful to look in the rearview mirror and see how this space has evolved, and the strategic choices that won the day
BUSINESS
Brands need to stop woke washing
Brands may choose to roll back their campaigns or stand their ground, and their response is often a good indication of their conviction on the depth of their belief about the campaign
