The HR Conclave held at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida on the 25th of August 2012 saw participation from eminent leaders from the HR landscape of India. Of the 10 panelists who represented their industry in the discussion on the ‘HR Practices and Challenges During Downturn’, the one who spoke for the Automobile Industry was Mr. Narendra Nath Akhouri, who was the Senior VP, HR Management, Hero Honda Motors Ltd. during the global economic meltdown of 2008. Mr. Akhouri, a product of XLRI Jamshedpur, has had a career of more than 35 years in the HR domain, finally retiring a couple of years ago as the Group HR Head at Worlds Window Group.

Campus journalist at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, Geetika Goyal found the opportunity to quiz Mr. Rathore on how the HR domain has evolved over the years, and what the expectations of industry are from future HR managers of Jaipuria Noida.

Geetika– I think your presentation on ‘HR Perspective on the Recession’ was quite an eye-opener. We also enjoyed the way you created a mathematical connection between Technical Solution, Acceptance and Overall Effectiveness. What is it that attracts you most about the HR profession?

Mr. Akhouri – It’s the sheer energy that is involved in interacting with diverse kinds of people and the different reasons that

make them click. The interesting part is that when you are interacting with people, you are never alone. It also includes recruiting from a campus like Jaipuria Institute of Management.

Geetika– Traditionally, there has been a perception that HR is a domain mainly opted for by women. Does this belief still hold good? Is this a myth?

Mr. Akhouri – To an extent it was true until a decade or so ago. Even today, an outsider might hold this view, but when you deal internally within companies, you realise that the situation is not so. Men seem to be ruling the roost when it comes to HR. The general opinion seems to be undergoing a change, though. Alternatively, a lot of women are rising to the posts of CEOs, as well as moving into Operations – something quite uncommon till a few years ago. I personally believe that the overall headcount of women in multinational companies is still far from being at par with men.

Geetika – What do you think should be the main focus of future managers from Jaipuria Noida who would like to choose a career in HR management?

Mr. Akhouri – The biggest change that you should make in yourselves is ‘be open to change’; be encouraged to face what the future has in store for you. Be in a ‘soaking’ mode. Ask questions; because asking questions is humility, but having pre-conceived answers is arrogance. Learn from nature; learn from your failure. Don’t be afraid of challenges; face them as they come. It is what we’ve all understood from the global meltdown.

Geetika – That is a lot of food for thought for us at Jaipuria Noida, Sir. I guess the only thing constant is change and as HR practitioners, we’ll have to be ready for it. We’ll have to look for those who are change-compliant, as well. Thank you so much for your insights.