Sustainability in India

Having listened to various presentations by various executives, I am getting a better sense of what the company is like. Aside from its notorious lack of timeliness the company can be pretty cool to work for. What I've noticed so far however, is the company's lack of a sense of sustainability initiatives: reducing environmental waste, implementing more efficient waste management systems etc...

But when I finally asked about sustainability initiatives and how Western companies are implementing whole systems for this concept, I realized that sustainability and the idea of sustainability in India is not a new concept, but rather a very ingrained way of how things are done. Let me explain.

Unlike Western companies who are used to the idea of waste and creating waste. Indian companies like Wipro have evolved from constraints. So the idea of environmental sustainability, recycling and so on, is more a part of their culture more than anything. Now there is more to sustainability than environmental waste management and so on - but when it comes to money and working with what you have, Indian companies have it down to an art. After taking a second look around, I see recycled paper notebooks, reusable water bottles (and not bottled water) and water fountains. But that is only on the surface of what can be seen. I will have to spend more time at the company to really know what really goes on underneath it all. In fact, the company has implemented LEAN, six sigma, CMMI etc to improve process efficiencies as Western companies are trying to cut more costs and Wipro is trying to fight against cost pressures. Especially since the Rupee is appreciating in value.

What would worry me is if the company decides to operate in a more "Western way" to cater to Western business needs. In fact, by hiring Westerners this just might happen. But then again, it might be the only way to do business in the West using Western ways in order to suceed. Time will tell.