The Hindu Business Line : Indian CEOs thinking global, says study

THE Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Indian companies see opportunities from a resurgence in consumer demand, especially in the rural markets, accompanied by attractive financing options.

According to a study titled `Your Turn: The Global CEO Study 2004' conducted by IBM Business Consulting Services Ltd, Indian CEOs feel that new Indian multinational companies are emerging that are characterised by a changing mindset, global ambition, a new-found confidence from battling with global competition and a desire to benchmark themselves against the best in the world.

The study points out that many Indian companies have been seeking newer markets abroad and are setting up overseas operations in a bid to become MNCs. There have also been some strategic overseas acquisitions in information technology, pharma and auto sectors and Indian players are increasingly looking at overseas supply options.

The CEOs see new opportunities for development of products through India-based research and development and integration with the global markets, the study says.

The study, however, identifies creation of a transformed vision for the organisation and its people, customer-focused culture and creating top-line growth without sacrificing the bottom-line as the key challenges for Indian companies aspiring to reach global standards and scale. While Indian players see domestic and global opportunities, they also face more intense competition, both from within and from outside.