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India
India is a country about which it is very difficult to make sweeping generalisations
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As a country, India covers a land area greater than that of Europe. Its inhabitants speak a bewildering array of languages (16 official languages as well as innumerable local dialects and patois) The people live in twenty-eight states and seven union territories. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that India is a country about which it is very difficult to make sweeping generalisations.
Yet, India presents a massive market opportunity for companies who wish to expand their markets internationally. With a population in excess of one billion - many millions of whom are reasonably affluent and possess large disposable incomes, the sub-continent is widely tipped as one of the twenty-first century's potential success stories. Those business organisations that wish to profit from India's rise, would do well to spend a little time studying the cultural norms which drive the thinking of the Indian people.
Although it is difficult to generalise about approach to business in India, there are certain factors which would seem to be almost universal in their applicability and which need to be borne in mind when working with Indian contacts. These issues include the fact that India is a country in which relationships are placed before business and thus the relationship phase of the business cycle could be considered to be the most important.
In addition, the legacy of the caste system ensures that businesses are extremely hierarchically structured and that the boss is very definitely the boss.
These issues will be looked at in more detail later in this country briefing.
Yet, India presents a massive market opportunity for companies who wish to expand their markets internationally. With a population in excess of one billion - many millions of whom are reasonably affluent and possess large disposable incomes, the sub-continent is widely tipped as one of the twenty-first century's potential success stories. Those business organisations that wish to profit from India's rise, would do well to spend a little time studying the cultural norms which drive the thinking of the Indian people.
Although it is difficult to generalise about approach to business in India, there are certain factors which would seem to be almost universal in their applicability and which need to be borne in mind when working with Indian contacts. These issues include the fact that India is a country in which relationships are placed before business and thus the relationship phase of the business cycle could be considered to be the most important.
In addition, the legacy of the caste system ensures that businesses are extremely hierarchically structured and that the boss is very definitely the boss.
These issues will be looked at in more detail later in this country briefing.