Importance of Hierarchy
India is a complex interplay of deeply entrenched hierarchical tradition and a rapidly changing social milieu that is heavily influenced by a huge influx of foreign business as well as Indians returning from work or education abroad. Regardless of the modernity of the individual, India’s long history of hierarchical structure and reverence for family is still quite influential.
Indians are aware of their social order and each person’s place within it, even though there are some young people who are beginning to question these social mores. Traditional values held that Hinduism’s emphasis on karma and reincarnation reinforced this hierarchy in that many believed their current standing stemmed from behaviour in a previous life. For example, to be born poor meant you led an earlier life that warranted your current circumstances, whereas a person of means must have done something right and is now enjoying the reward.
Since India is a hierarchical country where the caste system has left its mark, every person in a working environment has a clear-cut set of roles and responsibilities based upon their job level. An employee’s role in the organization may be as important as the work performed.
Family and Group Before Self
Indians generally will sacrifice for the good of the group, even at the cost of their personal desires because they usually live in close-knit extended families (calling one another “brother” and “sister” even when such status isn’t strictly true). People identify by family name, religious beliefs, or social and career status. This family brings its own interrelationships, structures, and rules, all quite nuanced. The family also affords trust and support, so that relatives loan each other money, help each other find work, nurse their own sick, and more.
In a business situation it is quite important to understand the primary role of the family since an individual’s responsibilities extend to the family at all times. This may conflict with work duties on occasion. Regardless of the motivation of the employee and the desire to do good work, family concerns will often take precedence,
Maintaining Harmony
The need to maintain harmony within the group is an extremely important element of working with people from India. It requires tactful communication and careful listening on the part of non-Indians in order to effectively conduct business. Since Indians do not like to deliver bad news, it’s crucial to ask questions in such a way that negative news can be delivered without disturbing the individuals involved. For example, avoiding situations where the person will have to say “no” is a more effective way to obtain information.
The Caste System
While the caste system is now officially and legally banned, it has its legacy in the depth and tenacity of the hierarchical structures of the society. Hindu scripture codified this stratification, and society officially recognized it until 1949, when the country’s constitution finally banned caste-based discrimination.
With the industrial revolution and modern life, India’s social delineations have inevitably begun to break down. While remnants are visible, mingling and intermixing occur in previously unimaginable ways. In rural areas, caste structures are firmer than in the rapidly changing urban areas, and attempts at achieving equality often end poorly. While the government has taken measures to instil education and job quotas for people from the lower castes, that, too, often brings complaints of unfair treatment.
