Wow, what a journey! Up until the last moment this trip has been educational, challenging, and an absolute blast.
India is different and similar to how I imagined it all at the same time. This may not make sense, but if you spend sometime in India, you will understand that it actually does make sense. It is a place full of dichotomy and juxtapositions. Business and technology is growing by the minute, but there are still only 100,000 million internet users (out of 1.2 billion people). There is a growing middle class, but 75% of the country still lives in poverty. Expensive high rise apartments are built next to slums. I was expecting both rich and poor, but I didn't realize they would exist so close to each other.
Our business visits were extremely valuable and educational. We visited 14 companies and we learned something unique at every stop. From clothing manufacturing, to construction, to telecom, to marketing, every company and industry was growing, building, and excited. The offices were all clean, air-conditioned, and hospitable, much like you would expect from the offices of New York City (although I think Indian hospitality trumps American by far!). We were always greeted with warm smiles, tea and cookies, and thoughtful answers to our questions and queries.
I think there are a few things that Westerners can take from Indian business practice, and that I plan on taking away myself. The first is to be unconditionally hospitable. The friendliness, openness, and patience was really striking. In America it seems we move so quickly and are so busy, we may not make the time necessary to make connections. Second, is to realize that there is opportunity in everything. Indians are creating new and exciting businesses and markets everyday. Rather than look at their lower classes as a burden or a lost cause, they are creating products and shifting industry standards to cater to all people. The last business practice that the West could benefit from, is the amazing work ethic in India. From the people that seek out recycling in trash, to the top executives, all of them work hard. There is no laziness here. The city streets are in motion constantly.
There was an overwhelming vibe of growth and change, and pride about India and it's future. People want to talk about the change, share their personal experiences with India's growth, and encourage you to participate in it as well. All the companies we visited, and all the people we met, mentioned the changes that happening. And every single one was proud - the energy could be felt.
My journey with the Cal Poly program is complete, but my journey in India is not. I will continue to explore different areas of the country for the next 6 weeks. A classmate said in the meeting this morning, the more we learn about India, the less we realize we know. If this is the case, I hope that I come back to America feeling like I know less than I do now. Let the learning continue!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Spring Quarter Book Report
Introduction
Nicki Grihault’s Essential Guide to Customs and Culture is comprehensive, lucid, and encouraging. The book gives an over view of many major aspects of the Indian way of life. After reading it I feel confident and at ease about visiting this foreign and exotic land. I also feel excited and ready to explore all the cultural diversity that India has to offer.
Karma
Most Americans seem to have a misunderstanding of Karma. Many people believe that Karma means, “What goes around, comes around.” They believe that Karma states that if you do something good, something good will come back to you. I was taught in my yoga practice that Karma isn’t so selfish. I always thought it to mean that if you do something good, then there is positive energy in the universe, and that positive energy will find someone. What goes around comes around – to the global community. So while a person may do good things and despite this still have bad things happen to them, their good deeds get to someone in the world.
Grihault describes Karma according to India as something different from both of these theories. According to the Guide, the Indian belief in Karma has to do with reincarnation. Reincarnation states that when a person dies, there soul is reborn in another. Their Karma and actions from the past life carry into their present and future lives. If a person was evil in past life, they will be born poor or destitute. If a person comes back as a price, or wealthy, they must have great karma from their past life. It is in this belief in Karma that the caste system makes perfect sense.
According to Wikipedia, Karma, "in Indian religions is the concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect originating in ancient India and treated in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies.” This is a much broader view of Karma and factors in all the religions and the general concept that what goes around comes around. Wikipedia also states that, “Some traditions (i.e., the Vedanta), believe that a Supreme Being plays some kind of role, for example, as the dispenser of the 'fruits' of karma or as exercising the option to change one's karma in rare instances. In general, followers of the Buddhism and many followers of Hinduism traditions consider the natural laws of causation sufficient to explain the effects of karma. Another view holds that a Sadguru, acting on a god's behalf, can mitigate or work out some of the karma of the disciple. And according to the Jainism perspective, neither a god nor a guru have any role in a person's karma - the individual is considered to be the sole doer and enjoyer of his karmas and their 'fruits'.”
It appears that Karma goes much deeper than Grihault discusses. Though the book cannot be solely on one topic, I believe Grihault should have touched on the different beliefs and applications of Karma. It is a huge part of many different religions and applies differently to many people in India.
Women in India
Grihault discusses some of the plights of women in India. The two aspects that jumped out at me are the tragic traditions of “dowry death” and the attitudes toward widows. I researched dowry death for my spring blog post and CNN stated that 2500 women per year are killed via bride burning. Grihault states the even more offensive number of one woman every one hundred minutes. This calculates to over five thousand-two hundred women per year.
Grihault also discusses the attitudes toward widows. They are seen as bad omens and husband killers. Even child brides are punished for their husband’s deaths. Many places still require the widowed women to shave their heads and stay unmarried for the rest of their lives.
The reason I address the issue of women’s role in India, is not to criticize the culture or focus on human rights. I bring it up because the role/hardships of women in India illustrates the point that India is a place full of contradictions. Women can work and get MBA’s and they are also murdered for not being “worth” enough. As is true in many developing countries, and even so here in America, city life varies greatly from rural areas. Though in America, I believe the variance isn’t as high.
Grihault does an excellent job of describing sensitive issues and illustrating the cultural differences in India.
Business Briefing
I found the Business Briefing section of Customs and Culture particularly helpful. Since we will be attending India formally in the Business setting, a background on Indian business practices will be necessary to fully embrace and learn from our experience.
Grihault describes the Indian business culture as relationship-based. This means that questions about personal life and family are applicable and appropriate in a business setting. Contrarily, it is possible to have a very meaningful and prolonged business relationship in America and know very little about the person you are dealing with. Of course, there is small talk and pleasantries, but unless forming a personal friendship, American business conversation is generally kept sterile and formal.
One thing that is of particular interest to me is the notion that people in India, “would rather tell you a lie than upset you or disagree with you” (Grihault, page 144). This is fascinating to me. Rather than end a negotiation or say something difficult to hear, Indians will attempt to save face for themselves and those around them by lying. I am glad that this was brought to my attention before I went to India. I always believe in business, that while certain things should be delivered lightly, it is better to be brutally honest and straightforward than to be allusive.
Conclusion
Our trip is India is based on business and exposing us to the business practices of different countries. However, what interests me most about India is the culture, the languages, the history, and the food. These are the reasons I love to travel. Grihault’s Essential Guide to Customs and Culture was the first real knowledge I have gained about these things in this course. I am happy to have a general background on these topics before entering the country. I am also going to bring the book with me to reference along the way. Grihault’s book was informative, easy to read, and useful.
Nicki Grihault’s Essential Guide to Customs and Culture is comprehensive, lucid, and encouraging. The book gives an over view of many major aspects of the Indian way of life. After reading it I feel confident and at ease about visiting this foreign and exotic land. I also feel excited and ready to explore all the cultural diversity that India has to offer.
Karma
Most Americans seem to have a misunderstanding of Karma. Many people believe that Karma means, “What goes around, comes around.” They believe that Karma states that if you do something good, something good will come back to you. I was taught in my yoga practice that Karma isn’t so selfish. I always thought it to mean that if you do something good, then there is positive energy in the universe, and that positive energy will find someone. What goes around comes around – to the global community. So while a person may do good things and despite this still have bad things happen to them, their good deeds get to someone in the world.
Grihault describes Karma according to India as something different from both of these theories. According to the Guide, the Indian belief in Karma has to do with reincarnation. Reincarnation states that when a person dies, there soul is reborn in another. Their Karma and actions from the past life carry into their present and future lives. If a person was evil in past life, they will be born poor or destitute. If a person comes back as a price, or wealthy, they must have great karma from their past life. It is in this belief in Karma that the caste system makes perfect sense.
According to Wikipedia, Karma, "in Indian religions is the concept of "action" or "deed", understood as that which causes the entire cycle of cause and effect originating in ancient India and treated in Hindu, Jain, Sikh and Buddhist philosophies.” This is a much broader view of Karma and factors in all the religions and the general concept that what goes around comes around. Wikipedia also states that, “Some traditions (i.e., the Vedanta), believe that a Supreme Being plays some kind of role, for example, as the dispenser of the 'fruits' of karma or as exercising the option to change one's karma in rare instances. In general, followers of the Buddhism and many followers of Hinduism traditions consider the natural laws of causation sufficient to explain the effects of karma. Another view holds that a Sadguru, acting on a god's behalf, can mitigate or work out some of the karma of the disciple. And according to the Jainism perspective, neither a god nor a guru have any role in a person's karma - the individual is considered to be the sole doer and enjoyer of his karmas and their 'fruits'.”
It appears that Karma goes much deeper than Grihault discusses. Though the book cannot be solely on one topic, I believe Grihault should have touched on the different beliefs and applications of Karma. It is a huge part of many different religions and applies differently to many people in India.
Women in India
Grihault discusses some of the plights of women in India. The two aspects that jumped out at me are the tragic traditions of “dowry death” and the attitudes toward widows. I researched dowry death for my spring blog post and CNN stated that 2500 women per year are killed via bride burning. Grihault states the even more offensive number of one woman every one hundred minutes. This calculates to over five thousand-two hundred women per year.
Grihault also discusses the attitudes toward widows. They are seen as bad omens and husband killers. Even child brides are punished for their husband’s deaths. Many places still require the widowed women to shave their heads and stay unmarried for the rest of their lives.
The reason I address the issue of women’s role in India, is not to criticize the culture or focus on human rights. I bring it up because the role/hardships of women in India illustrates the point that India is a place full of contradictions. Women can work and get MBA’s and they are also murdered for not being “worth” enough. As is true in many developing countries, and even so here in America, city life varies greatly from rural areas. Though in America, I believe the variance isn’t as high.
Grihault does an excellent job of describing sensitive issues and illustrating the cultural differences in India.
Business Briefing
I found the Business Briefing section of Customs and Culture particularly helpful. Since we will be attending India formally in the Business setting, a background on Indian business practices will be necessary to fully embrace and learn from our experience.
Grihault describes the Indian business culture as relationship-based. This means that questions about personal life and family are applicable and appropriate in a business setting. Contrarily, it is possible to have a very meaningful and prolonged business relationship in America and know very little about the person you are dealing with. Of course, there is small talk and pleasantries, but unless forming a personal friendship, American business conversation is generally kept sterile and formal.
One thing that is of particular interest to me is the notion that people in India, “would rather tell you a lie than upset you or disagree with you” (Grihault, page 144). This is fascinating to me. Rather than end a negotiation or say something difficult to hear, Indians will attempt to save face for themselves and those around them by lying. I am glad that this was brought to my attention before I went to India. I always believe in business, that while certain things should be delivered lightly, it is better to be brutally honest and straightforward than to be allusive.
Conclusion
Our trip is India is based on business and exposing us to the business practices of different countries. However, what interests me most about India is the culture, the languages, the history, and the food. These are the reasons I love to travel. Grihault’s Essential Guide to Customs and Culture was the first real knowledge I have gained about these things in this course. I am happy to have a general background on these topics before entering the country. I am also going to bring the book with me to reference along the way. Grihault’s book was informative, easy to read, and useful.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Winter Quarter Book Report
Lindsay Leaver
Winter Book Report
January 1, 2010
Introduction
The Elephant and the Dragon is an in depth look at the newly globalized India and China, and what their participation in the world economy means for America. It is a well-written, lucid, easy to follow book on a very complex topic. Meredith did an excellent job painting the pictures of both India and China before their leap on to the world stage, and describing the changes that have come to both countries.
The Rise of India and China is not necessarily something to be feared, but it is something to pay attention to and adapt to. The world economy is no longer dominated by America, as many Americans have become accustomed to.
China
Meredith gives a detailed and hard to stomach description of China’s past. Under the rule of Chairman Mao, the Chinese people suffered extreme poverty and civil rights abuses. There were massive food shortages throughout China that turned people in to skeletons. Some people began a practice called “yi zi er shi.” They traded one their own children to a neighbor for the neighbor’s child, and then killed and ate the youngster, knowing all the time the same thing was happening to their child next door. This practice shocked and sickened me. To imagine that people could be so desperate as to eat their own family, was horrifying.
Not only did Mao starve his people, he killed many of them as well. In 1966 he began the “Cultural Revolution” and murdered the intellectuals and pro capitalist thinkers. During this time he also burned books, destroyed art and temples, closed universities, and cut off contact with the rest of the world. These moves still haunt China today, especially the closing of Universities. Mao tried to create a nation of non-thinkers in order for a more absolute power.
Luckily for the Chinese people, Mao died in 1976 and Deng Xiaoping, an economic reformer, came into power. He began to shift China towards a market economy. He distributed land and let the families sell the extra crops for a profit. Though Xiaoping controlled the prices, the rural Chinese saw their incomes rise by 15% a year between 1978 and 1984. In 1984 China began to interact with the global economy by selling its factory goods abroad. Now, China is a world leader in factory production, has a large pool of college graduates, and is willing to do the work of Americans at a third of the price. Look out westerners, China has emerged.
India
While China was busy industrializing and increasing their infrastructure, India was still stuck in post-colonial poverty. India had been closed off to outside investment since 1947 when they gained political freedom and was flat broke in 1991. In July of 1991, restrictions on imports were lifted, the currency devalued, and the anti-monopoly limits eliminated, thus spurring the fastest economic growth in the decades of independence.
With the opening up of India in 1991, major globalization began. India has a huge advantage over China – education. The work force in India is highly educated and also willing to work for a third of an American worker. Also, India had many elite business families that have been operating since the 1800s. The 1991 reformations empowered the already existing moguls to expand further and become leaders in the world and the fortune 500.
Though India has an educational advantage over China, China has an edge on infrastructure. India vowed to spend $150 billion between 2005 and 2010 on roads, power plants, and telecommunications, which is a staggering amount. However, it is no match for China, who put $200 billion in 2005 alone.
America
What does this rise of China and India mean for America? It means job loss to outsourcing and sharing the superpower title that has been bestowed on America for the last 60 years. However, it also means a chance for reinvention.
In many ways, Meredith’s ideas are similar to Thomas Freidman’s in “The World is Flat.” Both authors agree that just because American companies are outsourcing jobs, doesn’t mean that Americans will lose out. Yes, the job losses will affect the individuals who were previously in the positions, but as a whole, this is a chance for America to get creative and emerge in a new industry and as a new work force.
The key to this emergence is Education. Both Freidman and Meredith agree that America needs to go back to the basics of education and focus on what made us world leaders in the first place, the most educated and skilled workforce in the world. Many test scores show that Americans are falling behind where we used to be, but we are not too far gone yet. With a little shift in focus, we can regain the loses we have suffered in the last thirty years.
Conclusion
Personally, I think a shift from America being the only superpower would be a positive thing, as long as it is peaceful for all countries involved. Being the world’s superpower has its advantages, but it comes with great responsibility. Maybe it would be nice to peacefully share these responsibilities with China and India. We should welcome the help and change, and embrace the opportunity to work together.
It is also important to remember that while changes in India and China are happening quickly, there is still a long way to go. In both India and China, the sanitary conditions need billions of dollars of work. The militaries, though both becoming powerful, are nowhere close to Americas arsenal. And the education at the University level is still below what is offered in America. Rapid changes are around the corner, but if we have the foresight to change with the world, the changes will not be detrimental.
“The Elephant and the Dragon,” brings up some scary issues for Americans in this ever-emerging globalized world, however similar to “The World is Flat” it brings up hope as well. Rather than blame people, point fingers, or just assume we are screwed, let’s rise up with India and China. Let’s uses this as an opportunity to help ourselves get back into the competition. Let’s reinvent ourselves once again and emerge as innovative and proud.
Winter Book Report
January 1, 2010
The Elephant and the Dragon
By Robyn Meredith
By Robyn Meredith
Introduction
The Elephant and the Dragon is an in depth look at the newly globalized India and China, and what their participation in the world economy means for America. It is a well-written, lucid, easy to follow book on a very complex topic. Meredith did an excellent job painting the pictures of both India and China before their leap on to the world stage, and describing the changes that have come to both countries.
The Rise of India and China is not necessarily something to be feared, but it is something to pay attention to and adapt to. The world economy is no longer dominated by America, as many Americans have become accustomed to.
China
Meredith gives a detailed and hard to stomach description of China’s past. Under the rule of Chairman Mao, the Chinese people suffered extreme poverty and civil rights abuses. There were massive food shortages throughout China that turned people in to skeletons. Some people began a practice called “yi zi er shi.” They traded one their own children to a neighbor for the neighbor’s child, and then killed and ate the youngster, knowing all the time the same thing was happening to their child next door. This practice shocked and sickened me. To imagine that people could be so desperate as to eat their own family, was horrifying.
Not only did Mao starve his people, he killed many of them as well. In 1966 he began the “Cultural Revolution” and murdered the intellectuals and pro capitalist thinkers. During this time he also burned books, destroyed art and temples, closed universities, and cut off contact with the rest of the world. These moves still haunt China today, especially the closing of Universities. Mao tried to create a nation of non-thinkers in order for a more absolute power.
Luckily for the Chinese people, Mao died in 1976 and Deng Xiaoping, an economic reformer, came into power. He began to shift China towards a market economy. He distributed land and let the families sell the extra crops for a profit. Though Xiaoping controlled the prices, the rural Chinese saw their incomes rise by 15% a year between 1978 and 1984. In 1984 China began to interact with the global economy by selling its factory goods abroad. Now, China is a world leader in factory production, has a large pool of college graduates, and is willing to do the work of Americans at a third of the price. Look out westerners, China has emerged.
India
While China was busy industrializing and increasing their infrastructure, India was still stuck in post-colonial poverty. India had been closed off to outside investment since 1947 when they gained political freedom and was flat broke in 1991. In July of 1991, restrictions on imports were lifted, the currency devalued, and the anti-monopoly limits eliminated, thus spurring the fastest economic growth in the decades of independence.
With the opening up of India in 1991, major globalization began. India has a huge advantage over China – education. The work force in India is highly educated and also willing to work for a third of an American worker. Also, India had many elite business families that have been operating since the 1800s. The 1991 reformations empowered the already existing moguls to expand further and become leaders in the world and the fortune 500.
Though India has an educational advantage over China, China has an edge on infrastructure. India vowed to spend $150 billion between 2005 and 2010 on roads, power plants, and telecommunications, which is a staggering amount. However, it is no match for China, who put $200 billion in 2005 alone.
America
What does this rise of China and India mean for America? It means job loss to outsourcing and sharing the superpower title that has been bestowed on America for the last 60 years. However, it also means a chance for reinvention.
In many ways, Meredith’s ideas are similar to Thomas Freidman’s in “The World is Flat.” Both authors agree that just because American companies are outsourcing jobs, doesn’t mean that Americans will lose out. Yes, the job losses will affect the individuals who were previously in the positions, but as a whole, this is a chance for America to get creative and emerge in a new industry and as a new work force.
The key to this emergence is Education. Both Freidman and Meredith agree that America needs to go back to the basics of education and focus on what made us world leaders in the first place, the most educated and skilled workforce in the world. Many test scores show that Americans are falling behind where we used to be, but we are not too far gone yet. With a little shift in focus, we can regain the loses we have suffered in the last thirty years.
Conclusion
Personally, I think a shift from America being the only superpower would be a positive thing, as long as it is peaceful for all countries involved. Being the world’s superpower has its advantages, but it comes with great responsibility. Maybe it would be nice to peacefully share these responsibilities with China and India. We should welcome the help and change, and embrace the opportunity to work together.
It is also important to remember that while changes in India and China are happening quickly, there is still a long way to go. In both India and China, the sanitary conditions need billions of dollars of work. The militaries, though both becoming powerful, are nowhere close to Americas arsenal. And the education at the University level is still below what is offered in America. Rapid changes are around the corner, but if we have the foresight to change with the world, the changes will not be detrimental.
“The Elephant and the Dragon,” brings up some scary issues for Americans in this ever-emerging globalized world, however similar to “The World is Flat” it brings up hope as well. Rather than blame people, point fingers, or just assume we are screwed, let’s rise up with India and China. Let’s uses this as an opportunity to help ourselves get back into the competition. Let’s reinvent ourselves once again and emerge as innovative and proud.
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