Monday, October 6, 2025

"Safety First, Performance Follows" Why Worker Well-Being Is India’s Untapped Productivity Booster

One of my paper titled "Relationship of employee’s perception on health and safety measures and job performance: the mediating effects of job satisfaction" has been published with my student Bhagyalakshmi Unnithan in 2019. 

In India’s manufacturing plants—from tyre factories to mineral mines—the hum of machines often drowns out an uncomfortable truth: workers still risk their safety to keep industries running. Accidents, injuries, and unsafe conditions are not just ethical failures; they are economic drains. A recent study across two Kerala-based industries underscores a lesson too often ignored—when employees feel safe, they don’t just survive at work, they thrive

The research highlights a clear link: employees who perceive strong health and safety measures report higher job satisfaction, which in turn boosts their performance. In other words, safety at work is not merely about preventing accidents—it is about unlocking human potential. This is not an abstract claim. The study shows that when workers trust that management is committed to their well-being—through safety training, proper equipment, and a responsive system—their motivation and output rise significantly.

Job satisfaction acts as the invisible bridge here. Workers who feel secure are also more satisfied, and satisfied workers are more productive. The finding may seem intuitive, yet it is often ignored in boardrooms where quarterly profits overshadow long-term well-being. Neglecting safety may cut costs today, but it creates a vicious cycle tomorrow: lower morale, higher turnover, absenteeism, and declining productivity.

The implications extend beyond factory gates. For a country aspiring to be a global manufacturing hub through initiatives like Make in India, worker well-being must be treated as an economic strategy, not a compliance box to tick. Strong occupational health and safety standards can enhance India’s competitiveness by reducing downtime, increasing trust between employers and employees, and improving overall quality of output.

Policymakers too must take note. Current inspections often focus narrowly on physical compliance—fire exits, helmets, machine guards. But as the research shows, the perception of safety is equally crucial. Workers must believe that management prioritises their health. That belief is built not just with rules, but with culture: open communication, consistent training, and genuine responsiveness to workers’ concerns.

The path forward is clear. Industry leaders should invest in safety not as charity, but as strategy. Regulators should widen their lens from mere compliance to culture-building. And society at large must recognise that safeguarding the dignity and health of workers is not only a moral obligation—it is India’s smartest productivity hack.

When workers feel safe, they work better. When they work better, industries prosper. The question is not whether India can afford to invest in workplace safety; it is whether India can afford not to.

Monday, September 15, 2025

Beyond Profits: Redefining Performance in Indian Microfinance

Microfinance was once hailed as a silver bullet against poverty—tiny loans empowering millions to create livelihoods, especially among women. But decades after its rise, the Indian microfinance story is more complicated. Between the Andhra Pradesh crisis of 2010 and the sector’s subsequent regulatory restructuring, one lesson is clear: measuring performance solely in terms of profits is a recipe for “mission drift". The philosophical underpinning here rests on the stakeholder theory of the firm. Success, especially in institutions serving the poor, cannot be defined merely by financial returns. A microfinance institution (MFI) exists not just to generate revenue but to uphold its social contract—to extend financial access, preserve client dignity, and contribute to community development. The Yin-Yang philosophy is a fitting metaphor: financial sustainability and social mission are opposites yet interdependent. Without profits, MFIs collapse; without social performance, they lose legitimacy.

 Based on my paper on 2015, I explored the performance of MFIs. The policy implications are urgent. Regulators like the Reserve Bank of India must go beyond interest rate caps and repayment norms. They should embed social performance management into supervisory frameworks, requiring MFIs to publish data on outreach, transparency, and client welfare just as they do on financial ratios. Funding agencies and investors, too, must reward MFIs that balance the “double bottom line,” not those chasing short-term profits. Our research with 252 Indian MFIs confirms this duality. Financial performance—measured by profit margins, return on assets, and portfolio at risk—is necessary but not sufficient. Equally critical are social performance dimensions such as mission adequacy (clarity and adherence to social goals), information disclosure (transparent communication with clients), and community participation (linking finance with social and environmental initiatives). Together, these metrics form a composite framework for evaluating true institutional health.

The societal benefits of such a shift are profound. Transparent, mission-driven MFIs rebuild trust among low-income borrowers, especially women, who form the backbone of the sector. Community-linked lending ensures that credit translates into real improvements—better schooling, healthcare access, and local development. Environmental safeguards, when integrated into lending, prevent growth at the expense of sustainability. In short, performance measured holistically allows microfinance to return to its ethical roots: poverty alleviation with dignity.

Microfinance in India stands at a crossroads. If we continue treating it as just another financial industry, mission drift will deepen and public trust will erode. But if we adopt a broader lens of performance—one that values people as much as portfolios—MFIs can become not just lenders, but catalysts of social change.

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Confusion as a Catalyst for Growth: Seizing Uncertainty

 

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” — Henry David Thoreau
In a world that glorifies clarity, decisiveness, and control, confusion is often treated as a sign of weakness or failure. Yet history, art, philosophy, and personal journeys reveal that confusion is not an obstacle but a hidden guide — a necessary pause before transformation. When familiar maps no longer make sense and certainty dissolves, confusion invites us into the fertile space of questioning, experimentation, and renewal. By leaning into this discomfort, individuals and societies alike uncover deeper wisdom, unlock creative potential, and evolve in ways that certainty alone can never allow. In embracing confusion, we find not only unexpected answers but entirely new ways of seeing and being.

Confusion is often perceived as a mental fog we desperately wish to escape. In classrooms, boardrooms, and even in our personal lives, confusion is seen as an obstacle — something to be swiftly overcome so that we may return to a state of clarity and control. Yet, what if confusion is not a hindrance but a powerful catalyst for growth? What if embracing uncertainty could lead to deeper self-awareness, creativity, and transformative progress? In exploring confusion as a necessary phase of growth, we unlock not only individual potential but also collective advancement in science, art, philosophy, and daily life.

The Nature of Confusion

Confusion arises when existing frameworks of understanding break down. It is the emotional and cognitive discomfort we feel when confronted with information or experiences that do not fit neatly into our established categories. While this state can be frustrating and disorienting, it is also the birthplace of curiosity. When we are confused, we ask questions, explore new perspectives, and eventually reconstruct our knowledge on a firmer foundation.

Jean Piaget, a renowned developmental psychologist, introduced the concept of “disequilibrium” to describe how children learn. When a child encounters something unexpected, their existing cognitive structures cannot accommodate it, causing confusion. To resolve this, they either modify their understanding (accommodation) or reinterpret the new information (assimilation). This process is central to cognitive development and remains relevant throughout life.

Scientific Discovery: Embracing the Unknown

In the realm of science, confusion has repeatedly served as the starting point of revolutionary discoveries. When Isaac Newton observed an apple fall from a tree, he experienced confusion: why did objects fall straight down rather than sideways or upward? His quest to resolve this confusion led to the formulation of the law of universal gravitation, fundamentally altering humanity’s understanding of the physical world.

Similarly, the confusion surrounding blackbody radiation in the late 19th century led Max Planck to propose quantum theory — a move that confounded many physicists of his time but eventually paved the way for modern quantum mechanics. Einstein's own discomfort with the apparent contradictions in classical physics inspired his theories of relativity, forever changing our notions of space and time.

Scientific breakthroughs often stem from researchers' willingness to sit with confusion and embrace it rather than dismiss it as a problem to be quickly solved. It is in this space of uncertainty that creativity and innovation flourish.

Artistic Innovation: The Creative Power of Ambiguity

Artists, too, have long embraced confusion as a creative tool. Consider Pablo Picasso’s shift from realism to Cubism. His experiments fractured traditional representations, leaving audiences and critics initially confused. However, this confusion forced viewers to engage with art in new ways, seeing subjects from multiple perspectives simultaneously.

Similarly, abstract expressionist Jackson Pollock created works that defied conventional form and meaning. His “drip paintings” confused both critics and admirers alike, yet they opened new pathways for artistic expression and challenged the very definition of art.

Literature offers parallel examples. James Joyce’s Ulysses and Finnegans Wake are labyrinths of language and meaning that baffle readers but also invite deeper engagement. These works are not meant to be consumed passively; they demand that readers grapple with confusion and, in doing so, discover new layers of interpretation and personal insight.

Philosophy: Navigating Paradox and Uncertainty

Philosophy, perhaps more than any other field, thrives on confusion. Socrates famously professed, “I know that I know nothing.” By embracing his own ignorance, Socrates opened a path to continuous inquiry rather than static knowledge. The Socratic method itself is designed to foster confusion in order to push individuals beyond their superficial certainties.

Eastern philosophies such as Zen Buddhism encourage embracing paradox and uncertainty as means to enlightenment. Koans — paradoxical riddles like “What is the sound of one hand clapping?” — are intended to confound logical reasoning, forcing practitioners to transcend linear thinking and attain a deeper, non-dualistic understanding.

In the Indian tradition, the concept of maya (illusion) underscores that reality as perceived through the senses is fundamentally deceptive. To realize Brahman (ultimate reality), one must move beyond this confusion and embrace a deeper spiritual clarity, a process that cannot be forced but unfolds through contemplation and surrender.

Psychology and Personal Development

Psychologically, confusion is a vital element of personal growth. Carl Jung posited that confronting the “shadow” — the repressed and denied parts of oneself — often induces confusion and discomfort. Yet, integrating these aspects leads to individuation, a process of becoming one’s true, whole self.

In the modern context, therapy often involves confusion as clients confront conflicting feelings, memories, and desires. This emotional turmoil, though painful, is crucial for healing and self-discovery. Similarly, periods of existential confusion — sometimes experienced during life transitions or crises — can lead to profound transformations, prompting individuals to reevaluate their values and purposes.

Business and Leadership: From Crisis to Opportunity

In the business world, confusion can act as a springboard for innovation and strategic renewal. The COVID-19 pandemic, for example, introduced unprecedented confusion and disruption across industries. Organizations that chose to embrace uncertainty — pivoting to new business models, remote work, and digital transformation — often emerged stronger.

Leaders who can tolerate ambiguity and guide their teams through confusion inspire resilience and adaptability. Satya Nadella’s transformation of Microsoft is a striking example. When Nadella became CEO, Microsoft faced an identity crisis, uncertain about its place in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. By fostering a culture that embraced learning and experimentation rather than rigid certainty, Nadella revitalized the company.

In entrepreneurship, confusion often arises when entering uncharted markets or creating disruptive products. Successful entrepreneurs are those who see confusion not as a threat but as an invitation to explore new possibilities and redefine industry standards.

Education: Learning Through Not Knowing

Education is fundamentally about moving from not knowing to knowing, yet traditional models often discourage confusion by emphasizing rote memorization and standardized answers. Progressive educational philosophies, such as inquiry-based learning, recognize that confusion is an essential precursor to deep understanding. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore multiple perspectives, and make mistakes.

Maria Montessori’s approach embodies this idea. She believed that children learn best when they are allowed to explore and discover at their own pace, engaging with confusion as a natural part of the learning process.

In higher education, especially in disciplines like philosophy, theoretical physics, and the arts, confusion is embraced as a sign of critical engagement rather than a deficiency. By grappling with complexity and ambiguity, students develop not just knowledge but also the skills of critical thinking, creativity, and intellectual resilience.

Modern-Day Relevance: Living with Uncertainty

Today’s world is marked by rapid technological change, social upheavals, and global challenges such as climate change and pandemics. In such an environment, the ability to navigate confusion and uncertainty is more critical than ever.

The traditional model of linear career progression is being replaced by non-linear paths involving frequent role changes, reskilling, and shifts in identity. Young professionals entering the workforce today must learn to see career confusion not as failure but as an opportunity for reinvention.

On a societal level, misinformation and polarization often breed collective confusion. While this can be destabilizing, it also invites citizens to engage more critically with information, question assumptions, and seek deeper truths rather than accepting simplistic narratives.

Moreover, the rise of artificial intelligence and automation is reshaping the nature of work and human identity. Rather than resisting this confusion, societies that embrace it can imagine and design new social contracts, educational systems, and economic models that prioritize human well-being.

Age and the Journey of Embracing Confusion

Age profoundly influences how we relate to confusion and uncertainty. In youth, confusion is almost expected; young people are in a process of identity formation, exploring different roles and beliefs. The brain itself is more plastic during adolescence and early adulthood, making young individuals more adaptable to new experiences.

In midlife, confusion often manifests as a “midlife crisis,” when individuals reevaluate life goals, career paths, and relationships. While this is commonly seen as a negative phase, it can also be a powerful period of transformation, leading to a more authentic and meaningful life. In later years, confusion may arise from confronting mortality, loss, and shifts in physical and cognitive abilities. Here too, embracing rather than resisting confusion can foster spiritual growth and deeper acceptance. Many spiritual traditions speak of elderhood as a time of wisdom precisely because elders have navigated and integrated confusion into a coherent life narrative. Geographically and culturally, attitudes toward confusion and uncertainty vary. In many Western societies that value control and mastery, confusion is often pathologized. In contrast, Eastern cultures, which may place greater emphasis on harmony and impermanence, are more accepting of uncertainty as a natural part of life.

Embracing the Fog

Confusion is not merely a mental state to be endured but a vital phase in growth — intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. Across science, art, philosophy, business, and personal development, confusion acts as a catalyst, compelling us to question, explore, and ultimately expand our horizons. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to embrace confusion becomes not just a personal virtue but a societal necessity. By reframing confusion from a weakness to a source of strength, we prepare ourselves and future generations to navigate the complexities of modern life with curiosity, resilience, and creativity.

As the poet Rainer Maria Rilke advised: “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves… Live the questions now. Perhaps you will then gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”

May we all learn to stand calmly in the fog, trusting that growth awaits us on the other side.

Friday, September 5, 2025

From Loan Books to Learning Cultures: A Human-Centered Turn for MFIs

 

This piece is an summary and implications of one of my research publication in 2014. Microfinance in India has long carried the promise of lifting millions out of poverty. Yet as the sector matures, the question is no longer just about financial inclusion. It is about whether microfinance institutions (MFIs) can learn, adapt, and grow in ways that honor their social mission while navigating volatile markets. At the heart of this challenge lies a truth too often ignored: human capital is the hidden currency of sustainable microfinance.

The philosophical foundation of this argument draws on the human capital theory of Gary Becker and Theodore Schultz, who framed knowledge, skills, and competencies as investments with long-term social returns. In the context of MFIs, this means that loan officers, managers, and field staff are not mere facilitators of credit; they are the living repositories of knowledge, innovation, and community trust. When their learning is nurtured, the institution evolves into what Peter Senge called a “learning organization”—capable of reflection, adaptation, and renewal. Without this orientation, MFIs risk becoming transactional lenders chasing short-term growth.

The policy implications are clear. Regulators and policymakers must look beyond interest rate caps and repayment norms, and begin embedding human capital development and organisational learning into the framework of microfinance governance. This could mean mandating structured training programs, incentivising MFIs to adopt double-loop learning systems that question assumptions rather than just processes, and integrating learning outcomes into social performance metrics. Just as capital adequacy ratios are monitored in banks, why not track human capital adequacy in MFIs?

The societal benefits of this shift are profound. An MFI that invests in its people creates ripple effects far beyond its balance sheet. Loan officers trained not just in disbursement but in empathy can transform borrower relations. Organisations that reward reflective practice rather than blind target-chasing reduce the risks of borrower exploitation and sectoral crises. Most importantly, learning-oriented MFIs are better positioned to innovate responsibly—designing financial products that genuinely empower women, small farmers, and the most vulnerable, rather than deepening cycles of debt.

Microfinance began as a social movement before it became an industry. If it is to remain a force for justice, it must rediscover its moral compass in the human beings who animate its work. The future of Indian MFIs will not be decided by how many loans they disburse, but by how well they learn from their own people and communities..