Dilemma - Career opportunity in Mumbai

Savishar · Post by **Savishar** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:38 pm

Dear all, I would really like to have your thoughts/insights on the situation I am facing right now.

I am a research director in a pharma company, and I have an opportunity to go to Mumbai (to take a senior position there in the R&D department; job would be located in Andheri). This would be an expat assignment (3 to 5 years). After much hesitation (mostly related to costs), the company has decided to send an expat there because they see the growth of this department (in India) as strategic, and would like to have someone familiar with the corporate culture there for a few years.

This sounds like a dream job to me, however I am carefully weighing the pros and cons before officially declaring my interest.

My situation is the following. I am originally from Tamil Nadu, but actually have lived most of my life in Europe, and then, for the last 10 years in US. I have 3 kids (15-13-11) who go to a public school in NJ. My wife is Indian too...however both of us know nothing about Mumbai (apart from Bollywood movies, and a few short business trips that I did).

I would be personally very excited to go work in India, because of all the reasons already mentioned in this forum (high growth, India is where the action is, high level of energy etc) + this could be a very exciting professional adventure (with networking opportunities) + great cultural experience for the family (especially the kids)...at least that is how I see it...I just need to convince my wife and children.

Our company has a local team right now in India. I know some key people there, and we work in fact very well together...but currently, I am here in the US, and they do not report to me. In this new assigment, I would be the department head.

These are some of my questions, from a professional standpoint:
- how would a NRI be accepted as a boss by local Indians ?
- how would a South Indian be accepted as a boss by West/North Indians (I am assuming, but maybe I am wrong, that most people employed would be North Indians) ?
- I do not speak Hindi (but am ready to learn); will that be a major handicap or not so much for a job in Mumbai, and heading a department ?
- how is corruption, fraud in India ? Has it decreased significantly or is it still rampant ? (our responsabilities is to conduct research with other institutions/hospitals that need to pass all kinds of foreign audit/inspections, including FDA etc.)

Thanks much for your thoughts, and ;and let me know if my concerns are not relevant, or if I should worry for other things from a professional standpoint (I will post other questions related to daily life in Mumbai, schooling issues on another thread).

Savishar
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Ace Novice · Post by **Ace Novice** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:49 pm

The questions you have posted are relatively trivial issues compared to temporarily relocating the family for a few years and given the ages of your kids (and schooling issues). If R2I is not on your mind, then the move is questionable especially if an expat assignment does not give you a leg up with respect to professional advancement or financial compensation.

Chicago Desi · Post by **Chicago Desi** » Sat Dec 08, 2007 11:55 pm

Savishar;63440
- how would a NRI be accepted as a boss by local Indians ?[/quote]

There should be no issues. There will be politics involved in this group as well. But if you conduct yourself in a fair and impartial way and do not get involved in the pettiness, it should not impact you. A certain level of high handedness is required when dealing with people. Of course, being competent is the key, which would be a pre-qual for a position like this. You should do well.

[quote]
- how would a South Indian be accepted as a boss by West/North Indians (I am assuming, but maybe I am wrong, that most people employed would be North Indians) ? [/quote]

This should not be an issue either. Mumbai is VERY cosmopolitan and people from all over India mix and mingle well. You will feel like an outsider only if you let yourself believe that you are. People around you won't.

[quote]
- I do not speak Hindi (but am ready to learn); will that be a major handicap or not so much for a job in Mumbai, and heading a department ?
[/quote]

Language should not be an issue either. But I suggest you pick it up if you are to live there for 3 to 5 years.

[quote]
- how is corruption, fraud in India ? Has it decreased significantly or is it still rampant ? (our responsabilities is to conduct research with other institutions/hospitals that need to pass all kinds of foreign audit/inspections, including FDA etc.)[/quote]

You should expect a certain level of "expediency" when getting things done. Having "friends" in govt is important for a regulated industry like pharma. You cannot expect to get things done if you do not go with the flow. This is based on experience.

This is a great opportunity for you. I am sure you will make the best of it. I am sending you a PM. Please respond when you get a chance.