Breaking myths

We all have our preconceived notions of individuals, places, issues and even art. The latest controversy over the Da Vinci Code has all of us taking sides, forming opinions and wrestling with what is right or wrong. But the truth is, there is no right or wrong, just convenient philosophies and thoughts. As a people, we shy away from uncomfortable truths and harsh realities. The utopian somehow seems more alluring.

BPOs came in - people took sides. It's stagnating our youth. Others said that it is boosting the economy. But, are there absolutes in any situation? No one can deny that the advent of BPOs did revive a flagging economy. People, informed and uninformed about this new phenomenon reacted. Like a wary and wounded animal, this reaction was even predictable. BPOs and outsourcing was demonized and glorified. There was a witch hunt that was determined to burn this new entrant at the stake. At one point of time, fifty anti-outsourcing bills were pending in the US legislative. CEOs of outsourcing companies in US were even called ‘Benedict Arnolds’ by John Kerry in his presidential campaign. It's another story that Kerry's wife has the luxury of being a multi-millionaire because of Heinz, which by the way also outsources its manufacturing businesses all over the world. Truth is convenient.

Today, the reality has changed. BPOs are considered as modern day gold rush. Back in the 1800s thousands of people poured into California. The lure was age old - "Something for Nothing." Gold in this case. But the truth was that it was back breaking work. And in the words of Lael Morgan of the University of Alaska, "The air was electric. It was an amazing party. Whether you were broke or whether you were rich, it just was the place to be at that moment in time." BPO are considered exactly that, today. Its one big party. Well, at least to those looking in from the outside. But this is one party that is seeing signs of sobering up. The industry has woken up to the fact that it had better have more to it's USP than a fraternity house for teens. It knows that to be taken seriously by investors, clients and employees, just swanky interiors, goodies in the cafeterias and a hefty pocket money just won't cut it anymore. It is counseling the youth that work there, making them change to formal wear in the hope that the serious nature is conveyed and an old image is torn down. Health provisions are being put in place - psychologists, diet charts and no aerated drinks.

The industry brings to the Indian economy a huge pie share in terms of money. Clients are taking huge risks in cutting down on business resources to get their bang for the buck by off-shoring. It remains to be seen how a perceived exploitative industry brings satisfaction to self and business. For better or worse, only time will tell.