HR as Transformation Partner in Maruti Suzuki India Ltd.

The Indian business landscape is marked by uncertainty, turbulence, hyper-competition and non-linear growth. The arena of the automobile sector epitomizes this changing scenario. Increasing competition from foreign born automobile organizations and homegrown organizations such as Tata Motors are posing a threat to the market leader - Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. A fierce battle for market share is ensuing among these automobile giants. In spite of this, Maruti Suzuki has succeeded in maintaining its leadership position. However, with more companies venturing into the bastion of Maruti Suzuki - the small car segment - the threat to their market share is looming larger than before. This case illustrates the journey of Maruti Suzuki since its inception and depicts the changes in its organizational strategy, HR strategy and work culture, in response to business challenges. Maruti Suzuki had to undergo multiple changes from being a public sector undertaking and a monopoly, to one capable of competing with world class automobile companies. This case describes the various challenges faced by the organization in this journey and how HR has partnered in bringing about the much needed transformations. The challenges range from having to create a performing workforce, changing the mindset of the employees, to coping with many cross cultural issues. The most difficult challenge is to engage in breakthrough innovation. HR needs to create an organizational culture that not only supports this endeavour but also helps retain the human resources.

• Change management
• Hiring and recruitment
• Organizational culture
• Talent management
• Manufacturing processes
• Leadership
• Cross-cultural business relations
• Corporate strategy