Why Indian Executives Make Great Global CEOs
A couple of years back, I attended a Chinese lady trainer’s leadership workshop based out of Hong Kong.
I was always intrigued that so many Indian executives have made it to the top positions in global companies.
Many global companies like Microsoft, Alphabet, Mastercard, Deloitte, IBM are run by Indian executives.
The latest addition is Sandeep Kataria, who has been elevated as Global CEO of Bata.
I asked my Chinese trainer about her take on Indian executives making it to top positions in a casual conversation.
What makes them so compelling.
Why do we not hear too many Chinese names as the CEO of Global companies?
She said that India is a democratic liberal country, so people are not conditioned by the rigidity of thoughts and doctrines outlined by states.
Indian corporations mostly foster an open culture.
People can challenge the status quo and not be reprimanded for the same in general.
China is an authoritarian state; people generally do not challenge the status quo.
That is the culture.
Chinese companies are also like that.
They have a robust chain of command, hierarchical.
Employees do not challenge the authorities.
She said that people would follow instructions even if they feel that they are not right.
It is almost like a military regime.
It reminded me of the incidents narrated by Malcolm Gladwell in his book “Outliers.”
The Korean first officer could not challenge his American pilot that he was going wrong while landing.
His shuttle suggestion was not understood by the American Pilot, and the flight crash-landed.
In an open environment in societies and companies, people can voice their opinions and challenge the status quo, creating an enabling environment for individuals and companies to prosper.
