Interesting survey by Pew Research on how the US is perceived by other countries...while overall it is depressing how poorly the US is perceived, there is one, big bright spot. The favorable rating in India was 71%, up from 54% in 2002 and much higher than in our traditional allies - Canada, UK etc.
So I did a little more research and found this article which tries to explain Why Indians love America so much. I know most Indians love their own democracy and are fascinated by the US version. But, let's face it - overall the vibrant offshore IT and BPO trade between US and India has helped this favorable attitude.
Not sure the survey interviewed the homeless or the farmers in India, but the survey suggests that the 100+m strong middle class has neutral to positive attitudes towards the US. Which should be good for all kinds of US brands.
So far, there have been four kinds of US performances in India a) companies like GE, Pepsi, Boeing, Coca Cola, Citibank which have done very well in India because they have made local investments and adaptations; b) those that have a historical franchise there like Delta but have not really taken advantage of their opportunity; c) those that have stayed on the sidelines - like US auto manufacturers - while the Japanese and Italians have delivered the small cars that can navigate India's clogged streets and d) those waiting for closed local markets to open up - as in the retail and construction sectors.
Doing business in India is not easy and politicians on both sides do not help matters. But the infrastructure and other frustrations can be tolerated a lot easier when you know the audience is atleast friendly. Even the local food is pretty good if you can get beyond your curry-worry!
Who says money does not buy love?
Interesting survey by Pew Research on how the US is perceived by other countries...while overall it is depressing how poorly the US is perceived, there is one, big bright spot. The favorable rating in India was 71%, up from 54% in 2002 and much higher than in our traditional allies - Canada, UK etc.
So I did a little more research and found this article which tries to explain Why Indians love America so much. I know most Indians love their own democracy and are fascinated by the US version. But, let's face it - overall the vibrant offshore IT and BPO trade between US and India has helped this favorable attitude.
Not sure the survey interviewed the homeless or the farmers in India, but the survey suggests that the 100+m strong middle class has neutral to positive attitudes towards the US. Which should be good for all kinds of US brands.
So far, there have been four kinds of US performances in India a) companies like GE, Pepsi, Boeing, Coca Cola, Citibank which have done very well in India because they have made local investments and adaptations; b) those that have a historical franchise there like Delta but have not really taken advantage of their opportunity; c) those that have stayed on the sidelines - like US auto manufacturers - while the Japanese and Italians have delivered the small cars that can navigate India's clogged streets and d) those waiting for closed local markets to open up - as in the retail and construction sectors.
Doing business in India is not easy and politicians on both sides do not help matters. But the infrastructure and other frustrations can be tolerated a lot easier when you know the audience is atleast friendly. Even the local food is pretty good if you can get beyond your curry-worry!
July 11, 2005 in Globalization and Technology, Industry Commentary, Outsourcing Negotiations/Best Practices | Permalink