As the vice president of my firm I strongly believe that upholding a US management style in India will be extremely difficult. Although it would be challenging I do not believe that it is impossible. Whether or not we should take this risk is a good question. Here are some facts about the rigid caste in India.
If you chose to do business in India, an understanding of Indian culture is necessary. The Indian caste system, unfortunately, is a major part of India’s culture. Despite the elimination of the traditional caste system, old attitudes still remain and continue to influence the hierarchical structure of business practices in India today. The caste system in India is a system of social stratification which has separated communities into thousands of endogamous hereditary groups called "castes". The castes ( also called jātis) are thought of as being grouped into four varnas(Hindu castes): Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. Certain groups, now known as "Dalits", were excluded from the varna system altogether, ostracised as untouchables. Because of the caste system people born into specific groups, trades or castes are unable to escape from the stigma of their background or their origins. Though the Indian caste system is less visible in large cities, it still remains deeply rooted in society, strengthened by a mix of social perceptions and divisive politics.
There are several reasons that our firm should avoid doing business in India, here are a few: India’s economy including corrupt leaders, weak and politicized institutions, high inflation & current account
