An unfinished life : A tribute to Dr. Ghoshal

" Running a business is like spinning a top. One has to constantly spin the top to prevent it from wobbling. The same rings true of running a business"
- Sumantra Goshal in 'lessons in excellence' on
cnbc tv-18


Such a simple yet profound analogy between spinning a top and running a business could only be drawn by one of the greatest management gurus of the 20th century, Dr. Sumantra Ghoshal(1948-2004). It is sheer misfortune to the world of business that Dr Ghoshal left his life unfinished. In an era where business schools are churning out assembly line management graduates and book publishers making management gurus out of naive lecturers, Dr. Ghoshal distinguished himself as not only a management theorist but also a pragmatist and ethicist. The story of his ascent in the world of management education should make a good reading for management students.

Born in a middle class family in Kolkatta, he graduated with a major in physics from Delhi university and Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management. Later, he joined Indian oil corporation and rose through the management ranks. He went to the U.S.A. as a Fulbright scholar in 1981. His extraordinary intellectual appetite was noticed when he produced two Phd. dissertations one at Harvard Business School and another at MIT simultaneously. He pursued consulting and teaching career at European B-schools. The impact of his work and expertise, which was availed by European companies, led the THE ECONOMIST to hail him 'Euro-guru'.

An eloquent debater and mesmerizing raconteur, he enthralled the audience wherever he lectured. In the last phase of his life he was engrossed in the raging debate of increasing power of corporations and related ethical issues. He argued that corporations across the world are gaining importance and legitimacy on people's life, earlier such power was the preserve of religion and monarchs. This called for more ethical approach by corporations towards various stake holders, which he said, was almost lacking in the corporations. It would be grave injustice to Dr Ghoshal if we were to label his stance as mere rhetoric post enron scandal. Infact it was a concern of a futurist-historian. Its surprising and shocking that Indian students are scarce aware of man who made a profound impact on the palimpsest of business education. May God bless Dr Ghoshal wherever he is.

Ratan Tata's letter to J.R.D.

TO : jeh@beyondthelastbluemountain.com

Dear Jeh,

I still remember the day when you passed on the task of running the group into my hands. The media had written me off and there was dissent in cetain quarters of the group to boot. You were the one who evinced confidence me and encouraged me to proceed with the daunting task of restructuring the group so that it can embrace globalization. Your approval of the restructure plan, which i conceived in the early 80's in newyork while sitting next to my ailing mother, has proved to be visionary. In this letter i want to apprise you of the tremendous success achieved by the group across all businesses without compromising the values instilled by Jamestji and yourself. The corridors of Bombay house are jubilient again, the group has rejuvenated itself and is ready to take on global corporations.The battle for Corus is finally over. I am glad to say : ave corus aapri che. My dream of developing a people's car is on the verge of fruition, despite the political quagmire fomented by rivals, the car will hopefully be launched in India in 2008. I wish you were here to test drive my dream car. The country seems to have realized the contribution of the group hence made me the poster boy of indian business. I have been on the cover of almost all the business magazines and t.v. journalists are vying for my interview. Some are also saying that the coveted Bharat Ratna is in the offing. . I took a sortie in the F-16 and F-18 fighter jets and became the oldest indian to do so. i attribute all my success to you : under your tutelage i learnt the art of managing business, living life unostentatiously and conducting business ethically. i know you must be concerned about the next chairman, rest assure, the person who would succeed will be competent and not necessarily a 'Tata', in light of the fact that Tata is not a family run business.

I will continue to write regularly to you as has been my practice since you left on a new adventure. You are missed very much by all of us at home and in india.

avjo,

Ratan