'No questioning' culture hinders innovation
By Zoya Anna Thomas   |   Thursday, 28 May 2009, 23:23 IST   |    2 Comments
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'No questioning' culture hinders innovation
Bangalore: "Not many employees ask questions and this is a major hindrance to innovation. We are trying to promote the questioning culture", said panelist, Usha Mohan (MD Triumph India Software Services) addressing the Connected Women Leadership Forum held by Cisco's Women Action Network, India. She attributed this problem to the education and cultural system in India. "The education system in India doesn't encourage questioning. Even the cultural setup doesn't allow questioning elders. This is a major block, when it comes to innovation." The theme of the forum this year was 'Celebration of women as innovators across different fields'. The panel discussion, "A Fireside Chat- Understanding Innovation from the Leaders" saw various senior level women executives from the IT and retail sector. Also speaking on the occasion was Rama NS, Development Center Head, Infosys. "An innovative mindset should be a part of our activity regardless of which field we are in," she said. Citing an example from her personal experience, Rama added that it is women who are more hesitant and don't ask questions. "In board rooms unless prodded, women don't speak up. It is time they shed their inhibitions and start voicing their opinions." The conference was a platform for idea sharing on how to create new innovations, how to sustain them and how to grow them into successful ventures or businesses. Other panelists included Hemu Ramaiah, MD Shop 4 Solutions and former CEO of Landmark and Vani Kola, MD IndoUS Capital Advisors. Also discussed at the forum, were Cisco's programmes to help women develop their skills as managers and executives. The forum saw a participation of more than 100 women from different sectors of the IT industry. The key objectives of the forum, which was launched last year in India, has been to establish and develop a network of professional women; expand professional relationships by networking with colleagues; and share perspectives on various topics about women in technology and as entrepreneurs.

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