Maruti Suzuki: The Arrogance of Success
In Ramayana, Maruti or Hanuman is depicted as a strong, loyal, and a follower of Prabhu Ramachandra sans ego.
But look at the Maruti executives. They seem to be arrogance personified. Here is the statement of Maruti’s MD Shinzo Nakanishi: “I hope the workers in Manesar understand that an internal union better represents their interests.” [TOI Jan 7, 2012]
There are several issues with this statement – Firstly the underlying assumption is that an internal union serves workers’ interests better than external union. There is no basis for making this statement. There are several organisations where external unions have represented their employees and without much problem. So Mr Nakanishi’s statement only discloses his bias and not a fact.
Secondly, the statement may be true if he means that ‘an internal union better represents their interests as far as the Maruti management is concerned,’ one must appreciate his audacity to say it. The newspaper reports have captured in detail how Maruti handled the recent strike and promoted an internal union. Such unions are called ‘puppet unions’ and obviously not without reason.
Even so, Maruti MD’s statement only smacks of arrogance and a tendency to ‘manage environment.’ Those who followed the strike will recall the rumours that Maruti actually paid Rs 1 Crore to its worker leaders for taking separation. Mr Nakanishi’s statement can only make people believe that the rumour is true.
A mature statement came from Toyota Kirloskar which too experienced labour strife. [Quote] Said Vikram Kirloskar Toyota Kirloskar Motor vice chairman: “We’re trying to improve communication with team members and instil ownership in the company. When we started out, we ended up with fresh hands and failed to understand their demographic and personal requirements. That’s why we had labour problems in the first plant but the second plant the going has been smooth. We have promoted career development and ensured a mix of experienced and new people.”[Unquote]
The language discloses your thoughts. In the case of Maruti, those are far from encouraging. “Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow” said William Pollard more than a hundred years ago.
It stands true even today.
Do you get me Mr. Nakanishi?
Vivek
Photo Courtesy EcoTimes
Strong- bold & bitter! The truth is always like that isn't it? It takes guts to question one's stance.It takes more guts to see beyond short term profits and plan a longterm strategy for inclusive growth.
Frankly i cannot agree with this article. I do not find anything arrogant about this. For any company will try to resist eternal elements coming in the employees union. All companies do it. On the other hand, for a union also, inviting external elements is very dangerous. External elements have vested interests and do not care if the company made profit, whether it survived or not. Internal union, whether reasonable or not, at the end of the day has its destiny tied to the business. Looks like a strongly worded – unnecessarily, article.
Arrogance is a Management prerogative. Unions & Associations must lick their boots often.
2 contrasting statements bring out opposing perspectives very well.
Power and Strength may create short term impact, however in the long run it is humility, collaborative problem solving that leads to long lasting results without leaving residual ill will or hurt.