Work culture in India:

Social scientists have put forward many definitions however it applies to the work environment.  In fact ‘Work’ (Karma) according to ‘The Bhagwad Gita’ describes distinctly to do something for well-being as a social cause without expecting any returns as per the Indian philosophy. According to Kavita Singh, the ancient Greek structure looked at work as a ‘curse’, the Hebrews looked at work as a painful task. Initially in Catholicism ‘Work’ seemed as natural affliction of a ‘fallen man’. As later with the development of human thinking it was closely referred to as service to God.

In Indian Work culture at the work-place means the same thing as to the work environment. It is a term that refers to the customs and norms which characterize the interactions of the members.  The work culture differs in every organization depending upon its size as well. Every organization has its own work-culture. For instance, in an organization a work group may be strongly bonded like a joint family. We may find employees wander into one another offices/tables/departments or cubicles without prior notice. Colleagues may meet informally over coffee or in common areas to confer over issues or projects. It may be difficult for any outsider to even tell who the ‘in-charge’ is.  On the other hand we may come across such Organizations where much more formal atmosphere may prevail. Colleagues may make formal appointments with one another. There may be quite distinct differences between the furnishings of the offices of different levels of employees. E-mail may be preferred means of contact. Perhaps everyone keeps an on-line calendar as a means of contact before scheduling any group meetings.

Work culture means work related activities, and meanings attached to such activities in the framework of norms and values, are generally contextualized in an organization. An organization has its boundaries, goals and objectives, technology, managerial practices, material and human resources as well as constraints. Its employees have skills, knowledge, needs and expectations. These two sets of factors – organizational and individual – interact and over time establish roles, norms and values pertaining to work. Now, we can see that how employees function in these two environments which is quite different. So now why is this something you need to be aware of?

With the growing influence of global trends in organizations the Indian organizations have to seek further its own identity to fit into global market. It means that the organizational key players recognize the “Purpose” of work culture size and implement them accordingly in their own organization.

Purpose To remain competitive during this period of accelerating change, organizations will have to continuously pay attention to the notion of work culture as the issues of positive work culture and improving productivity, not merely of labour but of all other factors of production have acquired special significance and urgency in the context of India’s quest for a place at the global market. It is widely recognized that if the Indian industry is to succeed in the ever-increasing international competitive environment, it will have to reduce costs, increase output and produce quality product at the right price. The change in approach to industrial development through thorough dismantling of controls and regulations, the pressures to modernize and invest in research and development, the resolve of Indian industry to become recognized leaders, at least in some selected segments, signal a welcome change and a new dynamism. But this, as well as foreign investor’s interest in the development potential and new investment prospects in India, can be sustained only by a positive work culture. Work culture is the social interlocking mechanism upon which the enterprise can function effectively.

I express my special gratitude to “Kavita Singh” while presenting references in this article.

Thanks a lot.

       

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