The Hindu Business Line : Everybody has a say in the making of the Budget

Story so far: There are trainees, young and bubbling, with whom I have occasion to interact. The more I get to know their attitudes and opinions, the more I wonder if they would ever fit in a typical work place.

Episode 80

Work is serious, but these kids are playful. And they seem to have thought about all those things we took ages to form opinions about. So my question last week was whether these bundles of energy and enthusiasm can survive in our business environs or, to put the question differently, whether we can adapt to these new kids on the block.

"Your issues are creative and touchy which makes me want to reply even in the busy schedule of audits at Price Waterhouse," writes Kamal Anil Kapadia from Mumbai.

"Frankly, this week's topic is very debatable, because I have been in an MNC where I have seen how people work in a different way. Some would say something and do something; some would say but do nothing; and some would do but say nothing. How credit for one's work is taken by another, what politics one plays in the office. Gone are the days when one had feelings of attachment with the job and followed the `work-is-workship' mantra.

"Nowadays, people come and start comparing their pay with others and start looking out for another job almost immediately. Attachment to the job is not emotional but only financial. No sitting late or working beyond the hours prescribed in the appointment letter; that is the way people look at jobs. Switching jobs is a trend nowadays. This is all due to MNC culture." It seems, Kamal, that the future is bleak, with the current generation more interested in squeaking around and jumping on and off jobs.

"Dear Swati," writes Thangavelu. "Kids are always kids as long they are students. Once they get placements they change rapidly. The young generation today is in a rebellious mood. They are enjoying the so-called freedom in whatever way they like. But the trouble is some of them do not understand what real freedom is. Some think talking aloud and wearing modern outfits is freedom; opposing each and everything is considered freedom by some. At college, some even think that they are more knowledgeable than their professors, who are PhDs.

Reality strikes once they enter the job market. How they behave in interviews is quite interesting. As such, do not worry about mannerisms. They will vanish once the candidates get a good placement, and a fat pay cheque at the end of the month. My worry is about a small section of these kids. Some rebellious ones do not change, continuing to stray from the straight path. It is not their fault. The neo-rich parents often do not care or show love and affection to their kids, either because of time constraints or false prestige; giving money is their way of showing affection. Here is where the problem starts.

"My father used to give me pocket money, but I was to give accounts for the expenses every night. So, out of fear and respect, we spent the money judiciously. Accountability was established in a decent manner. Now, it has gone. Many parents do not care to ask for accounts nor do they care who their kids' friends are. If both aspects are carefully looked into, I am sure we can bring these rebellious kids around. Youth is like a river in spate. If there are no check-dams, not only do the banks get spoilt, the entire output is drained into the sea, benefiting none." That was straight from the heart, and very perceptive.

"This is surely a tough topic for discussion, simply because, being a youngster, I am in the firing line," writes a young correspondent Karthik Narayan, with the trademark `lotsa love'. "First, everyone starts off as a kid at work. Rome was not built in a day! It is not every kid's cup of tea to be mature right from day one. As he grows in confidence and experience, every kid would make the corporate playground more pleasant for the others to work in. Catch them young is the key in all the big houses these days. The exuberance of youth sure would be annoying because they would be carefree. Their world and lifestyles would be so very different from the veterans in the field. This new corporate culture is fast catching up in this part of the world, especially the IT arena.

"Friday dressing and weekends off are totally new to our old economy with a six-day week. What I'm trying to say is that young blood has taken the corporate world by storm... and corporates are making the changes to fit in them. Rightfully, corporate managers are whistling the "O yuva yuva" tune. One thing is for sure: the youth are definitely capable of great deeds. It is for the managers to mould them and shape them into responsible employees. Supervision is a must, but being a good leader is the key here, just supervision will make them feel watched at all times.

"Being a good leader calls for a good guide. Allowing them to express their talents, yet make them understand the culture and respect it. The recent trend has been the surge of personality development programmes and the various training aspects taken up by major corporate firms. This is the step in the right direction... Besides the youngsters by themselves are realising their value in the organisation and are beginning to develop themselves to suit the challenges and adapt to the new conditions. It is just the perfect combination, of HRD manager — the seniors, and the candidates themselves — to make Corporate India Shine! Well, I know this is a long and debatable topic... so I'll put the pen down here. (much to your relief, phew!)

*********

During the week, my boss had to accompany other industry leaders to meet the Finance Minister and present views for factoring into the coming Budget. If you were asked by the FM for suggestions, what would you say? Send in your thoughts by Friday.

Swati_CA@hotmail.com

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