Subject category:
Human Resource Management / Organisational Behaviour
Published by:
NACRA - North American Case Research Association
Length: 16 pages
Abstract
The case raises the issues on diversifying the workforce in a male-dominated industry. The dilemma before the protagonist, Rahul Maitra, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is how to meet the objective of 10% women in its workforce by 2022. This case focuses on the Indian cement sector, where women's representation in the Indian workforce has always been less than 3%. In a bid to bridge the gender gap, Ambuja Cement, the largest player in cement in India, further, faced a setback in hiring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CHRO, Rahul Maitra, was under pressure from the parent company, LafargeHolcim, to deliver results within 2022. While companies had taken steps to bridge the divide, gender diversity in the cement industry remained low and a concern. Achieving the target of 10% women in the workforce by end of 2022 was an uphill task for Maitra given that the factories were set in remote locations, making it unattractive for women, and the current workforce was not fully prepared to respond to an inclusive and diverse environment. Maitra had to decide what immediate actions had to be taken to reach the target within the time frame to address the diversity challenges of the company.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for postgraduate courses.Geographical setting
Region:
Asia
Country:
India
About
Abstract
The case raises the issues on diversifying the workforce in a male-dominated industry. The dilemma before the protagonist, Rahul Maitra, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) is how to meet the objective of 10% women in its workforce by 2022. This case focuses on the Indian cement sector, where women's representation in the Indian workforce has always been less than 3%. In a bid to bridge the gender gap, Ambuja Cement, the largest player in cement in India, further, faced a setback in hiring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CHRO, Rahul Maitra, was under pressure from the parent company, LafargeHolcim, to deliver results within 2022. While companies had taken steps to bridge the divide, gender diversity in the cement industry remained low and a concern. Achieving the target of 10% women in the workforce by end of 2022 was an uphill task for Maitra given that the factories were set in remote locations, making it unattractive for women, and the current workforce was not fully prepared to respond to an inclusive and diverse environment. Maitra had to decide what immediate actions had to be taken to reach the target within the time frame to address the diversity challenges of the company.
Teaching and learning
This item is suitable for postgraduate courses.Settings
Geographical setting
Region:
Asia
Country:
India