Behavioural sciences have always been shrouded in a cloak of mist to any observer who is just trying to make inroads into the field. This idea more than just resonates with me because I was first introduced into this discipline through organizational behaviour courses in the first year of the MBA program, here in IIM Indore. The coursework of the organizational behaviour II course was particularly engaging as it involved learning through a variety of iconoclastic teaching methods. One such activity left a lasting impression on me.
During this one class, we were to understand and debate on the challenges a company’s management can face if some unforeseen circumstances plunge the company into a war it did not wage. So, this particular case involved an established toy company whose most recently launched toy had parts which were potential choking hazards and had caused the death of two children within a span of a few months. While the professor had handpicked a few students and assigned them the roles they required to do justice to, the rest of the class sat watching the students discuss the situation out and forming their own opinions on what exactly the management should do unbeknownst to what was coming towards them.
A few minutes had passed when suddenly the classroom door, which is no pushover quite literally given its weight was jarred wide open by mini mob that walks in shouting slogans against the company and its CEO and demanding justice for the loss the mother of the deceased child was dealing with. Everyone was taken by surprise, even the students who had been playing the roles of the senior management and had by now really gotten into the skin of their characters and had, till a few moments ago, shown surprising determination to reach some sort of conclusion. As the shouting and chanting the by mini mob continued the CEO of the company was left speechless and we could see that the other characters tried in vain to control the crowd and reason with them.
Although all of this was staged and the ruckus soon subsided, it was an important learning experience. No matter how much theory we etch in our brains, no matter how much we debate and discuss in the safety of the four walls of our classrooms or conference rooms, dealing with people, a group of agitated single-minded people for that matter, is always going to be challenging and will require the development of certain level of sensitivity towards the society, an understanding of the larger impact businesses can have on the societies they cater to and how this can affect the organization itself.
Which ABG company would you want to work for and why?
Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail will be my company of choice because firstly the apparel industry is one of the most dynamic industries out there with new trends emerging every fortnight and old ones dying even faster. This necessitates that one always be on his toes and constant innovation become a nature of being. ABFRL seems to have always known the secret to succeeding in this industry since its inception. Brands like Van Heusen, Peter England, Allen Solly are all testimony to this. It shows that the company is constantly scanning the landscape, actively hunting for new opportunities and leaves no stone unturned to effectively utilize any opportunity that comes knocking on its door. This ethos the company has will always draw the crowd towards it and being a part of such an energetic environment is any young MBA’s dream. With ample opportunities to grow, explore and learn, ABFRL is the place to be.