Is a management paradigm the monopoly of the B schools? Not really! Would you agree with me if I were to say that we all have a great management model silently but most efficiently functioning, and right under our nose? Yes, you got it right. Indeed it is provided by our parents, especially by our mothers.
Yes, the mother of the family is a great management expert. She is excellent at HR. Her communication skills make or mar the family dynamics. She manages people, time, resources extremely well. At the FMCG, she is an expert. She maintains the cash inflow and outflow so well that no external credit systems are required. She knows how to expand the family means. Her merger techniques are best illustrated in relatives management, especially when it comes to marriages of her children. Of course, this CEO of this enterprise has the full support of her partner, the father of the family.
I could expand the metaphor to further levels/details as well, and ad infinitum. Instead, let me make two observations. The first one is that this paradigm is by no means applicable only to upper middle educated famlies. In fact, both in the lower class as well as amongst the rich, it is the matriarch whose word is the final. Even an abusive husband or in-law's cannot diminish her. My second point is that whether working or a housewife, a mother has different management styles as well, ranging from the authoritative to the consensual and democratic.
Why is it then that the B-schools that can locate the management style of the Mumbai dabbawala never look at this fabulously functional model so nearer home? Is it because a mother's work is often considered non-productive? Indeed how to put any valuation on the love, care and concern of this intrapreneur who often doubles up as an entrepreneur whenever the family may suffer financial/cash inflow issues?
May be, I should ask my management students to explore this paradigm as a possible research theme. A more focussed analysis could provide some answers to my queries above!
pratima@ life does not come with a manual, it comes with parents, especially a mother
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