Newspapers never fail to hype the sudden increase in stock prices . But these are not based on fundamentals, the real conditions remain the same or are becoming worse. Gullible investors who believe in the hype end up losing money.
Stock hype
May 27th, 2009Conduct vs Appearance
April 26th, 2009Conduct vs Appearance - one of the worst things in the last few years has been the increased emphasis on the looks and packaging to judge a person and disintegration of the value system. The mainstream media (no doubt keeping in mind the interests of their main advertisers) highlights assorted celebrities and does not cover any real news. A person’s appearance changes as he or she grows older, but the value system and what they learn remains with them through out their life.
Media layoffs and salary cuts
March 18th, 2009So newspapers in India are cutting salaries and laying off staff. In the past few years, the salaries in the media sector have increased to unrealistically high levels. After all, the media only reports on events , they do not create wealth . This was going to happen sooner or later.
Layoffs and life
February 19th, 2009From the comments, it appears that this laid off employee is from Infosys. It will be some time before this news appears online, the media treats some companies with kid gloves.
The main difficulty will be experienced by people who lead a lavish lifestyle. Many people in their twenties are very fond of Ipods, Iphones, Plasma TVs, Cars and other expensive gadgets, but do you really need them?
Many years ago, I have lived in hostels with a curfew time of 8.00 pm, where breakfast and dinner cost Rs 300 per month (don’t ask me about the quality, I had no choice) , may be that is why I can be happy with very little. Ultimately that could be the greatest advantage I have.
The next scam?
February 2nd, 2009Disappearing crores - I wonder why the media wakes up only when it is too late. People lose their hard earned money when they read favorable reviews in the media and invest in the company. Another case of PR releases doubling as news?
The real India
January 28th, 2009Majority of Indians don’t find the internet useful - this is because most of websites / applications developed today are not very relevant or useful. They are too elitist, I don’t visit too many Indian websites, most are a waste of time or impractical. Have the internet experts ever thought of how people who are not like them think?
Just like the reaction of mainstream media to the Mangalore incident. Why is freedom or modernity defined by smoking or drinking ?. Why not as developing a world class product or service (and I don’t mean low end outsourced work)? Like doctors, I feel these people should spend some months in rural area, it will change their mindset.
Culture lessons from politicians - our politicians have a better idea of what the majority of the population thinks compared to armchair experts.
Corporate ethics
January 22nd, 2009Speed money and honesty - good article on the prevalence of speed money in India. This aspect is rarely discussed in the media, most articles read like PR releases.
A lot depends on the way you choose to do business. When I worked in a professionally managed company (at a very junior level), one thing I often heard was “the government people know that L* (company name) does not pay money, the work gets done , but very slowly” . That is why L* has such a good reputation as a well managed company, every one has to follow the rules. In a short time, you will grow slowly, but then tomorrow no one can accuse you of doing wrong.
Corruption is there every where , as one Malaysian minister put it, ” In Western countries, it is called networking, in Asian countries corruption / nepotism” . Finally it depends on how big and financially strong you are.
Land grab by IT companies
January 13th, 2009It is widely believed that real estate was the reason behind the Satyam mess. Other software companies claim to be clean, but are they?
Infosys is one of the largest land owners in and around Bangalore, read this article about the Infosys land grab . The media has a very short memory.
“Independent” directors
January 12th, 2009The boards of listed companies in India have independent directors, but they are ” independent” in name only. They are usually appointed on the board to return a favor or oblige some one.
Most of them are aware of what is happening in the company, the products or services being sold. They are only expected to make up the quorum and sign the papers presented.
Scams and Indian companies
January 7th, 2009With the Satyam scam unfolding, I would not be surprised if 2009 is the year of scams for India Inc.
Having worked for a BSE30 company, with many customers also BSE 30 companies, I got a very good idea of how Indian companies work, their decision taking process and how well they are run.
From a distance, they may have an attractive image (thanks to their PR agencies ) , but when you work closely with them, nothing remains hidden. Till 6 months ago, no one cared much for the PSUs, but some of them are very efficiently run.
It is many of family run companies which cause alarm. When the owners spend millions on expensive business jets, cars or gifts to their wives /girlfriends it is a cause for alarm.I remember reading somewhere that if you see the management of a company in too many page 3 type or society photos, it is a sure sign that the company is going downhill.
Most of our media only glorify these excesses when they should raise the alarm bell. Time to look for alternatives if you are a customer, vendor, or investor. Now Facebook makes it easier. If you are making a lot of money from your business, invest it back, don’t waste it on luxuries.