Redefining Horizons

There is something very sinister about brand image. The permanency associated with brand image has just about vanished. Products, services and individuals associated with a brand image have to be consistent as well as persistent at labouring to improve brand value. Status quo spells disaster.  Branding was initially associated with domesticated herd animals. In order to differentiate an animal owned by one individual from another, early humans initiated the custom of branding. The process, painful to the animal, mostly confined to establishing ownership, was a ritual undertaken with due deliberation. The prominent and permanent marking on the animal, said a lot about the brand owner and his clout in the society. Modern-day branding is an intricate and costly corporate activity. Initially products were branded, then services were included. We recognised them by the unique brand logos and catchy slogans. Celebrities were paid huge sums to be associated with the brand. Now, with...

He’s a bad boy. He’s a bad student. These are statements that we heard as we grew up. Often used and heard in schools, these are statements that typecast an individual and templated stimuli and responses. At the workplace, it was “Oh, he doesn’t fit into the team” or “he is a bad worker”. Though profound in its content, intent and impact these are not sparingly used.   What makes a person say this? Why should a person be branded as bad? What leads to such a branding? Understanding the causes leading to the statement from both sides can unlock major issues in human resource management.   Does anyone really want to be bad?  Nobody deliberately tries to become bad. Self-esteem and the need to be recognised and appreciated is inherent to human existence. Said, unsaid, each and every person wants to be the best in whatever situation he or she is in. It is a different fact that he or she may not make such a statement or indicate such an intent, but deep within every ind...

Equality is a fallacy. Nothing was created equal. The concept of equality is propagated by those who have no idea of the efficiency equation. Neither God nor man has found means adequate enough to equalise input and output. Newton’s third law of motion notwithstanding, equality exists only in theory. HR practitioners who advocate treating the workforce with the yardstick of equality is involved in something that actually does not exist and pursuing something detrimental to the growth and health of the organisation. Consider two individuals holding similar positions, with the same job description and responsibility in the same organisation. The organisation expects both the individuals to put in equal work, with the same expected level of dedication. Since equality of labour and compensation is an accepted norm, both the individuals have to be compensated equally for holding similar job titles or positions. Despite what each individual may contribute, both would end up being rem...