Product details

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Abstract

In 2023, Narayana Murthy, the founder of Indian IT giant Infosys, proposed a controversial idea for India's development, suggesting that the youth should work 70 hours a week to boost productivity. Industry leaders supported the idea, downplaying work-life balance concerns as 'Western', emphasising sacrifices for greatness. While the netizens backlashed it as an exploitation by capitalist, critics raised potential adverse health effects and questioned the equation between long work hours and productivity. Potential setbacks were highlighted for women managing dual responsibilities. Despite India's ambition to surpass China economically by 2075, caution was advised against adopting China's intense '996' work culture to prevent burnout and women leaving the workforce. This discussion illuminated the intricate interplay of work hours, gender dynamics, and overall well-being in India's labour market, prompting introspection on the trajectory toward inclusive growth. Could India reconcile the push for economic growth through a capitalist approach of extended work hours, while addressing gender dynamics and ensuring inclusive development with a balanced work-life structure?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2024.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
India

About

Abstract

In 2023, Narayana Murthy, the founder of Indian IT giant Infosys, proposed a controversial idea for India's development, suggesting that the youth should work 70 hours a week to boost productivity. Industry leaders supported the idea, downplaying work-life balance concerns as 'Western', emphasising sacrifices for greatness. While the netizens backlashed it as an exploitation by capitalist, critics raised potential adverse health effects and questioned the equation between long work hours and productivity. Potential setbacks were highlighted for women managing dual responsibilities. Despite India's ambition to surpass China economically by 2075, caution was advised against adopting China's intense '996' work culture to prevent burnout and women leaving the workforce. This discussion illuminated the intricate interplay of work hours, gender dynamics, and overall well-being in India's labour market, prompting introspection on the trajectory toward inclusive growth. Could India reconcile the push for economic growth through a capitalist approach of extended work hours, while addressing gender dynamics and ensuring inclusive development with a balanced work-life structure?

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 2024.

Geographical setting

Region:
Asia
Country:
India

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