The following are direct reflections to my original "India Trip Preconceptions" post:
1) Vast infrastructural disparities
The view from your four or five star hotel is likely a mix of street vendors, constructions, crowded streets, garbage piles, and maybe even a slum. Western development exists side-by-side with severe poverty. This is also true in the technological areas where western development is more prevalent. A shopping mall and a world re known company share real-estate with homeless people and poor communities. The lack of utilities such as clean water are shared by all however, and even in hotels you should stick to bottled water.
2) Garbage everywhere
Unfortunately this one turned out to be true, for the most part. Around tourist attractions and government areas everything was very clean and orderly. The majority of places however were congested with litter and debris, especially in the urban centers. On a positive note, the changing Indian mindset is all about taking care of the environment. From commercials with Bollywood celebrities and cricket players, to billboards and advertisements, the movement towards green has taken root within the younger demographic.
3) Temples/historical places everywhere
Considering the age and history of India, it's no surprise this one is true. Some of the most beautiful architecture isn't just the famous locations like the Taj, Amber Palace, or Akshardham Temple, but the tomb right down the street from your hotel that isn't in any of the tourist guides. Regardless of where you are staying, especially in Delhi, pick a direction, start walking, and sooner than later you will run into a structure hundreds of years older than the United States.
4) 24-hour rush-hour/mass congestion
With their growing economy and population, the infrastructure isn't ready for the number of travelers. Grid-lock, rush-hour, and parking lots, are all an understatement when trying to explain how congested Indian cities can become. In shopping areas this is coupled with the hordes of people trying to go about their daily lives. The lack of regulated traffic is serious concern and only adds to the frustration of traveling anywhere in India.
5) Massive IT industry
There are development areas, in Delhi for example, where industries (especially IT firms) compose an entire zip code size area. Places like NOIDA and Gurgaon are home to many IT companies and have embraced a western style of architecture and daily life. This is where you find the large shopping malls, movie theaters, etc. Upon visiting several of these firms, they take employee care and transportation very seriously considering the unique difficulties India has. Many companies offer taxi services after dark for female employees, and some firms have even built self sustaining cities where employees can find amenities such as daycare, free meals and housing, clinics, shopping areas, etc.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Trip Experiences (during)
The following are a few of my trip experiences while traveling through India as well as some thoughts from the business perspective of the trip.
1) For personal travel planning excess time into your itinerary is critical (traveling anywhere is fairly difficult). We traveled with a very detailed schedule but still allowed for miscellaneous time. Tolls, congestion, and the willingness of the driver all had a tremendous impact on travel. Additionally, there is no shortage of fun/exciting things to do almost everywhere, so be sure to allow for random stops.
Business on the other hand is becoming very westernized. Almost every business we visited took time very seriously with a regimented schedule. The time difference from the U.S. (approx. 12 hours) is a significant reason for the importance placed on timeliness. Other firms and people have a much more fluid definition of time, so be prepared to encounter both extremes.
2) Indians have an odd perspective of what qualifies as "good" service. Every hotel has a bellboy help you with your bags, turn on your TV, and even go as far as brewing you tea, but not every hotel will have good water pressure or even an enclosed shower. At restaurants, many places practice high end services like silver-serving or finger bowls after meals, but often remove dishes before you are finished and tend to hover. Nearly every bathroom has an attendant who proved towels for a small fee.
This may seem like an odd observation, but being prepared for different levels/ideas of services will help to prevent general frustration. Also, keep in mind that India has a rather predominant tipping culture. Collecting smaller bills and coins will go a long way. Especially since not everyone will have change and large tips (more than a 50-100 rupees for a bellboy or 5-10 rupees for a bathroom attendant) are not necessary/expected.
3) Things aren't necessarily cheaper. Certain services such as taxi's are much cheaper, while many products and services like bottled water can be even more expensive than in Western countries. Also, plan for excess tax! There is a 20% tax on alcohol, a 15% general tax, and a 3% service tax on top of everything.
4) Visiting a range of business gave an excellent perspective into the IT world of India. Many firms operate the stereotypical excess work arbitrage firms, while others are global business partners for multinational companies or industry leaders in their own regards. A general theme is smart growth; the desire to shift from a project company for another firm to a key business partner for that firm. Another theme is the large focus on employee benefits/comfort. Many companies had benefits far superior to companies in the United States. A few examples are: more time off for pregnant women and free daycare, free lunch, large and comfortable break rooms, on campus stores and lodging for transfer employees, and grab-a-bike-and-go on large campus companies.
For everyday shopping there are very few general goods/all inclusive stores. Large bazaars exist but usually are near or inside shopping malls. Most shopping is done in specialty Ma/Pa style shops crammed into street sides. Street vendors are a must as they offer traditional Indian meals and excellent Chai tea (as long as you're not a germaphobe).
5) Indians are a very warm and welcoming people. The majority of Indians speak very good English and are helpful/talkative. Expect a certain degree of tourist prices for some services, but talking with hotel staff will help you establish what prices should be. There is a general disposition from Indians that Westerners cannot handle "spicy food". If you're up for it ask for traditional dishes and enjoy the diverse flavors and curries.
1) For personal travel planning excess time into your itinerary is critical (traveling anywhere is fairly difficult). We traveled with a very detailed schedule but still allowed for miscellaneous time. Tolls, congestion, and the willingness of the driver all had a tremendous impact on travel. Additionally, there is no shortage of fun/exciting things to do almost everywhere, so be sure to allow for random stops.
Business on the other hand is becoming very westernized. Almost every business we visited took time very seriously with a regimented schedule. The time difference from the U.S. (approx. 12 hours) is a significant reason for the importance placed on timeliness. Other firms and people have a much more fluid definition of time, so be prepared to encounter both extremes.
2) Indians have an odd perspective of what qualifies as "good" service. Every hotel has a bellboy help you with your bags, turn on your TV, and even go as far as brewing you tea, but not every hotel will have good water pressure or even an enclosed shower. At restaurants, many places practice high end services like silver-serving or finger bowls after meals, but often remove dishes before you are finished and tend to hover. Nearly every bathroom has an attendant who proved towels for a small fee.
This may seem like an odd observation, but being prepared for different levels/ideas of services will help to prevent general frustration. Also, keep in mind that India has a rather predominant tipping culture. Collecting smaller bills and coins will go a long way. Especially since not everyone will have change and large tips (more than a 50-100 rupees for a bellboy or 5-10 rupees for a bathroom attendant) are not necessary/expected.
3) Things aren't necessarily cheaper. Certain services such as taxi's are much cheaper, while many products and services like bottled water can be even more expensive than in Western countries. Also, plan for excess tax! There is a 20% tax on alcohol, a 15% general tax, and a 3% service tax on top of everything.
4) Visiting a range of business gave an excellent perspective into the IT world of India. Many firms operate the stereotypical excess work arbitrage firms, while others are global business partners for multinational companies or industry leaders in their own regards. A general theme is smart growth; the desire to shift from a project company for another firm to a key business partner for that firm. Another theme is the large focus on employee benefits/comfort. Many companies had benefits far superior to companies in the United States. A few examples are: more time off for pregnant women and free daycare, free lunch, large and comfortable break rooms, on campus stores and lodging for transfer employees, and grab-a-bike-and-go on large campus companies.
For everyday shopping there are very few general goods/all inclusive stores. Large bazaars exist but usually are near or inside shopping malls. Most shopping is done in specialty Ma/Pa style shops crammed into street sides. Street vendors are a must as they offer traditional Indian meals and excellent Chai tea (as long as you're not a germaphobe).
5) Indians are a very warm and welcoming people. The majority of Indians speak very good English and are helpful/talkative. Expect a certain degree of tourist prices for some services, but talking with hotel staff will help you establish what prices should be. There is a general disposition from Indians that Westerners cannot handle "spicy food". If you're up for it ask for traditional dishes and enjoy the diverse flavors and curries.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
India Trip Preconceptions
Below are a few of my preconceptions of India, its people, culture, society, business world, etc.
1) Vast infrastructural disparities
Based on some basic research and Hollywood examples, I imagine India to have extremes of development basically side-by-side. To clarify, modernized cities next to shanty towns/slums. In addition to this picture, I also imagine a large spectrum of infrastructural investiture. A large proportion of the Indian people live in poverty, and utility companies are either government run or monopolized. This raises difficulties for towns and villages to get basic utilities like clean water, electricity, or internet capabilities. Essentially, I expect western modernization living along side poverty and typical developing country scenes.
2) Garbage everywhere
This perception is based solely on personal experiences. I've had the opportunity to live/visit in both Ghana and China. To most people these countries are seen as developing or underdeveloped. I've realized that a developing country can be categorized by environmental measures such as Green GDP, and in my personal opinion, the degree of garbage on the ground. In Ghana, the streets are the dumpsters. Trash is either burned or disposed of right next to someones "house". In China, I was startled to see garbage even in very public/tourist locations such as the Great Wall. This shows to me an underdeveloped governmental sector that should provide services such as trash removal.
3) Temples/historical places everywhere
India has one of the most well documented history's known to humankind. They also have an incredibly rich, diverse, and complicated sociocultural structure. This is largely attributed to their religious history and influence. Hinduism has an incredible amount of gods within their pantheon, and since India is such an "old" place, I expect to see temples, shrines, and historical building all over the country.
4) 24-hour rush-hour/mass congestion
India has an absolutely massive population, rated the second in the world, approximately 1.2 billion people. This is significant because India is roughly 1/3rd the size of the United States, with 4 times the population. Because of this, I anticipate to see mass congestion is terms of traffic, people, buildings, etc. I'm also looking forward to the degree of governmental control to try to manage and even mitigate issues associated with such a large population on a smaller land mass. As stated earlier, a good measure of a country's development is the degree of social services offered on a vast scale.
5) Massive IT industry
Perhaps my greatest preconception is the expected massive IT industries within India. A strong stigma about India from the United States perspective is the "sweat-shop" type call center. Almost everyone has experienced a customer service individual who is actually in India. Whether your experience was good or bad, the idea that certain service sectors are dominated by India is cemented in the minds of many Americans. I expect to see a large number of IT service companies with a broad spectrum from businesses like IBM India to a more stereotypical Indian IT company that provides the stereotypical services listed above.
1) Vast infrastructural disparities
Based on some basic research and Hollywood examples, I imagine India to have extremes of development basically side-by-side. To clarify, modernized cities next to shanty towns/slums. In addition to this picture, I also imagine a large spectrum of infrastructural investiture. A large proportion of the Indian people live in poverty, and utility companies are either government run or monopolized. This raises difficulties for towns and villages to get basic utilities like clean water, electricity, or internet capabilities. Essentially, I expect western modernization living along side poverty and typical developing country scenes.
2) Garbage everywhere
This perception is based solely on personal experiences. I've had the opportunity to live/visit in both Ghana and China. To most people these countries are seen as developing or underdeveloped. I've realized that a developing country can be categorized by environmental measures such as Green GDP, and in my personal opinion, the degree of garbage on the ground. In Ghana, the streets are the dumpsters. Trash is either burned or disposed of right next to someones "house". In China, I was startled to see garbage even in very public/tourist locations such as the Great Wall. This shows to me an underdeveloped governmental sector that should provide services such as trash removal.
3) Temples/historical places everywhere
India has one of the most well documented history's known to humankind. They also have an incredibly rich, diverse, and complicated sociocultural structure. This is largely attributed to their religious history and influence. Hinduism has an incredible amount of gods within their pantheon, and since India is such an "old" place, I expect to see temples, shrines, and historical building all over the country.
4) 24-hour rush-hour/mass congestion
India has an absolutely massive population, rated the second in the world, approximately 1.2 billion people. This is significant because India is roughly 1/3rd the size of the United States, with 4 times the population. Because of this, I anticipate to see mass congestion is terms of traffic, people, buildings, etc. I'm also looking forward to the degree of governmental control to try to manage and even mitigate issues associated with such a large population on a smaller land mass. As stated earlier, a good measure of a country's development is the degree of social services offered on a vast scale.
5) Massive IT industry
Perhaps my greatest preconception is the expected massive IT industries within India. A strong stigma about India from the United States perspective is the "sweat-shop" type call center. Almost everyone has experienced a customer service individual who is actually in India. Whether your experience was good or bad, the idea that certain service sectors are dominated by India is cemented in the minds of many Americans. I expect to see a large number of IT service companies with a broad spectrum from businesses like IBM India to a more stereotypical Indian IT company that provides the stereotypical services listed above.
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