India Inc. and Young CEOs
Synopsis
This case flyer enables a discussion on the interesting trend of India Inc. hiring relatively young, yet high potential and proven performers. There are several examples of individuals in their late 30s or early 40s donning the hat of a CEO. The case flyer tries to unravel the reasons behind this trend. At the same time it facilitates an interesting analysis – are young CEOs found across all the industries at India Inc.? The case flyer also enables a debate on the extent to which these young CEOs can shoulder what has been mandated for them. It proposes the co-existence of the older generation with the younger generation wherein the former can mentor and support the younger lot.
Before the Case Flyer Discussion in the Classroom
- a. The participants were asked to read the article “Tremors at the Top” (Given as mandatory reading at the end of the Case Flyer)
- b. Most importantly, the students were encouraged to analyze all the questions given in the case flyer (either individually or in learning teams or in appropriate discussion forums) for them to participate effectively and to enrich the learning outcomes
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this case flyer, the participants should be well-versed with:
- • The reasons behind interest and demand for young CEOs in India Inc.
- • The industries ideally suited to have young CEOs to deliver the business mandates
- • Merits and demerits of letting the young CEOs run the companies
Positioning and Setting
The case flyer can be used in the following modules/courses:
- a. Leadership module in Organizational Behavior course
- b. Human Resource Management’s Talent Management module – grooming the young talent to occupy corner seat
Suggested Orchestration
During the Case Flyer Discussion in the Classroom
The discussion on the Case Flyer was conducted under two broad related topics. The classroom analysis of the Case Flyer was carried out by discussing each of the questions of the case flyer elaborately.
However, for each of the two sections, the discussion hovered around an ‘anchor point of discussion’ as explained below.
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Case Analysis
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I. India Inc. and Young CEOs
1. The case flyer began with a discussion on the millennials and their intriguing characteristics. This was an ideal start to the case flyer as most of the participants were millennials themselves.
2. They opined that millennials are responsible, independent and ambitious youngsters. They value family security, health, honesty, freedom, true friendship and self-respect. They are globally concerned, realistic, cyber-savvy, tech-savvy and like to socialize in the cyber space.
3. The participants then listed some of the companies with young CEOs at India Inc. [Exhibit (TN)-I]. The class also discussed their performance since the time they took the topmost position. The case flyer and its discussion focused on individuals who had been elevated to leadership positions in various companies and not the young entrepreneur CEOs or young CEOs in family businesses.
4. On the basis of information given in the base article of the case flyer and from the individual knowledge of the participants, it was opined that the trend was skewed towards certain industries such as the technological and internet industry. The participants referred to the article, “Tremors at the Top”, that they were asked to read before the classroom discussion, in discussing this question.
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Exhibits
Exhibit (TN)-I: Young CEOs at India Inc.
Exhibit (TN)-II: Suitability of Young CEOs Across Industries
