Political Competition and Business's Competitiveness'

Political Competition and Business's Competitiveness'​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 16th Mar. 2016

The political debate despite being heated in India with political parties from "so to say" different ideologies, almost never discuss raising competition in domestic markets and thereby ensuring rising competitiveness of domestic businesses.

The fact is that when the parties and leaders, who may be otherwise out begging for ideas (as we are made to believe) for stimulating growth of specific industry segment, they garner ideas as to how the industry segment can be stimulated. However, it generally tilts on the side of a few select players in the industry telling them ways how they may become more prosperous. To figure out how more players in the industry segment can flourish, is part of the policy making job, that various academics, professionals and other experts have to articulate.

The commercial news media in India again is not exactly a playground for such players as it is generally tilted towards sponsoring businesses. So seldom are we witnessing any debate about how more players in any industry can be sustained.This can be viewed with any number of examples. Say aviation, we see tremendous growth. But no rise in number of airlines especially small airlines serving some niche segments other than those for VIP owners/sponsors. Also, given the number of aircraft and number of defunct airports in the country as people wanting to become pilots, we could easily have a few dozen flying schools.

This would have potential to stimulate demand as well as improve supply and reduce costs since the infra as well as machines are better utilized. Nearly the same thing can be said about the shipping/river cruising/water sports etc. as these are held down mostly by policy/regulations which have hindered the progress of the units/activity rather than facilitated the same. Of the civil safety standards and civil infra will need a ramp up for facilitating such activities and this may need redeployment of security personals from politically inclined activities towards more productive usage.

The debate of banking sector woes is a case in point where policy options are not being discussed but only select cases and this is in spite of ideology based parties and highly ethical leaders.We can have raging debates on corruption charges, specific bankruptcies as well as various proposals from big businesses regards facilitation of their specific proposals. However a debate of policy on raising the level of competition in specific industries through policy measures is generally missing and continues to be so even in the era of competitive politics.

The so called socialists ignore this as a rise of right wing while the so called right wing ignores it as sundry non-proposals even though they are unable to win elections without such a debate and this is known fact unlikely to change in a hurry. So the discussions that lead to galvanization of votes around candidates seems to be in digression from the party specific themes which are being euphemistically concocted this term as search for a centrist balance by the commercial news media. This is likely to continue to play out as the game evolves and parties can only ignore this to their own peril.

Let's watch the current electoral rush and the some of the other subsequent elections in states where we are likely to see these questions being propped up much more prominently as a mix of old as well as newbie players. Of course these would be subject to specific policy options being up for debate to bring up new competition and raise industrial growth simultaneously.

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Political competition and business competitiveness are two interrelated yet distinct spheres of societal function that often intersect and influence each other in profound ways. In democratic societies, where political power is regularly contested through elections, businesses can find themselves in a dynamic environment that both poses challenges and offers opportunities. Political parties and candidates, in their quest for power, may propose policies and reforms aimed at stimulating economic growth, ensuring fair competition, and protecting consumer rights. These policies can significantly impact the business landscape, from tax laws and regulations to trade agreements and environmental standards. For businesses, navigating this political terrain requires a strategic approach that includes not only compliance with existing laws but also proactive engagement with policymakers to advocate for an environment that fosters innovation and sustainable growth.

Moreover, the level of political competition can also influence how businesses operate and compete. In regions with high political competition, there is often a greater push for transparency and accountability, which can lead to stricter enforcement of anti-corruption laws and better corporate governance practices. This can create a more level playing field, reducing the advantage that might otherwise accrue to companies willing to engage in unethical practices. Conversely, in areas with less political competition, businesses may face a less transparent regulatory environment, which can lead to inefficiencies and higher costs due to the potential for rent-seeking behaviors and bureaucratic red tape.

Additionally, the global nature of business today means that companies must be mindful of political competition not just within their home country but also in the international arena. Multinational corporations, in particular, need to navigate a complex web of political relationships and competitive dynamics across different markets. Political tensions between countries can lead to trade barriers, sanctions, and other forms of economic warfare, which can disrupt supply chains, limit market access, and increase operational risks. On the other hand, political alliances and cooperation can open up new opportunities for business expansion and collaboration.

In summary, political competition plays a crucial role in shaping the business environment, influencing everything from the regulatory framework to market dynamics. Businesses that are able to adapt to and engage with these political forces are more likely to maintain their competitiveness in the long term. However, this requires a nuanced understanding of the political landscape, the ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, and a commitment to ethical practices that align with broader societal values.

 

[Dhruv Bindhani]

Political Competition and Business's Competitiveness'​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 16th Mar. 2016

The political debate despite being heated in India with political parties from "so to say" different ideologies, almost never discuss raising competition in domestic markets and thereby ensuring rising competitiveness of domestic businesses.

The fact is that when the parties and leaders, who may be otherwise out begging for ideas (as we are made to believe) for stimulating growth of specific industry segment, they garner ideas as to how the industry segment can be stimulated. However, it generally tilts on the side of a few select players in the industry telling them ways how they may become more prosperous. To figure out how more players in the industry segment can flourish, is part of the policy making job, that various academics, professionals and other experts have to articulate.

The commercial news media in India again is not exactly a playground for such players as it is generally tilted towards sponsoring businesses. So seldom are we witnessing any debate about how more players in any industry can be sustained.This can be viewed with any number of examples. Say aviation, we see tremendous growth. But no rise in number of airlines especially small airlines serving some niche segments other than those for VIP owners/sponsors. Also, given the number of aircraft and number of defunct airports in the country as people wanting to become pilots, we could easily have a few dozen flying schools.

This would have potential to stimulate demand as well as improve supply and reduce costs since the infra as well as machines are better utilized. Nearly the same thing can be said about the shipping/river cruising/water sports etc. as these are held down mostly by policy/regulations which have hindered the progress of the units/activity rather than facilitated the same. Of the civil safety standards and civil infra will need a ramp up for facilitating such activities and this may need redeployment of security personals from politically inclined activities towards more productive usage.

The debate of banking sector woes is a case in point where policy options are not being discussed but only select cases and this is in spite of ideology based parties and highly ethical leaders.We can have raging debates on corruption charges, specific bankruptcies as well as various proposals from big businesses regards facilitation of their specific proposals. However a debate of policy on raising the level of competition in specific industries through policy measures is generally missing and continues to be so even in the era of competitive politics.

The so called socialists ignore this as a rise of right wing while the so called right wing ignores it as sundry non-proposals even though they are unable to win elections without such a debate and this is known fact unlikely to change in a hurry. So the discussions that lead to galvanization of votes around candidates seems to be in digression from the party specific themes which are being euphemistically concocted this term as search for a centrist balance by the commercial news media. This is likely to continue to play out as the game evolves and parties can only ignore this to their own peril.

Let's watch the current electoral rush and the some of the other subsequent elections in states where we are likely to see these questions being propped up much more prominently as a mix of old as well as newbie players. Of course these would be subject to specific policy options being up for debate to bring up new competition and raise industrial growth simultaneously.

This political article is a masterclass in persuasive communication. The writer's writing style is remarkably incisive and authoritative, cutting through complex issues with clarity and conviction. There's a palpable sense of purpose in every sentence, driving the argument forward with intellectual rigor. The structure of the piece is strategically designed to build a compelling case, carefully introducing evidence and counterpoints in a way that maximizes their impact. Each section contributes meaningfully to the overall narrative, leading the reader towards a well-reasoned conclusion. Critically, the clarity with which the political landscape and proposed solutions are articulated is exemplary, leaving no ambiguity about the writer's stance or the implications of their analysis. This is not just reporting; it's a powerful and accessible contribution to public discourse.