Growing up in a joint family, I was witness to most of the decisions being taken by my grandmother. The decision would follow muted and often derisive discussions, frowning, frustrated and nonchalant family members running helter-skelter as if doors existed everywhere. The upside was that one clearly knew - there would be only one decision maker, how to influence that person and the ramifications, especially of being in the unfavourable side of the decision. No doubt, the joint family ecosystem increased the level of tolerance and tenacity as dependency to garner prominence was fairly high and involved intellectual subterfuge and guile. The continuous application of such an exercise eventually becomes an integral part of the person’s life that it is employed wherever he or she goes.
As I see it, growing up in a joint family is akin to working in a large organization. Decisions are taken by a leader which creates ripples within the organizational rank. Like in a joint family, individuals network and gossip in the corridors discussing the merits and demerits of the decision albeit any expectations of exercising a change. And, my experience working in several organizations suggest that people who grew up in a joint family form a majority in the business landscape. It is hence not surprising to see organizations (even in this age) with a linear and inflexible approach to management. After all, it is a process that most leaders running organizations today have been following since childhood.
Do we see or hear Indian organizations with multiple leaders? Tata, Birla, Wipro, TCS, L&T, HCC, or political parties like Congress and CPM – most have one face, one decision maker. At a time when organizations are relying on more and more of young talent, shouldn’t they be changing their management thinking? According to Sangeeth Varghese, author and leadership expert, more forward-looking organizations are moving away from the traditional closed forms towards an Open Source Leader model, where people are nurtured across layers by opening unto them the power and authority associated with leadership. If organizations and leaders do not keep up with this evolution, they will be left in the lurch. But if they manage to keep pace, they will live another day, to tell the tale of their success.
