Narayana Murthy on Work-Life Balance, National Responsibility, and "Compassionate Capitalism

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Narayana Murthy on Work-Life Balance, National Responsibility, and "Compassionate Capitalism

Narayana Murthy's Advice on Work-Life Balance and National Responsibility

Narayana Murthy, co-founder of Infosys, sparked a debate with his advice for youngsters to work 70-hour weeks. He later clarified that such commitment is a personal choice, not a public mandate. Reflecting on his own career, Murthy acknowledged working long hours for over 40 years, but emphasized that it was his personal decision and not a universal prescription.

Murthy's remarks come amidst discussions on work-life balance, fueled by L&T Chairman S.N. Subrahmanyan's call for 90-hour workweeks. Murthy framed the conversation in terms of moral responsibility to uplift the nation's poor. He argued that hard work, discipline, and ethical values, as emphasized by Max Weber, are crucial for national success. In India, where a significant portion of the population relies on free foodgrain programs, such efforts are not just personal but essential for economic strength.

Addressing concerns about capitalism's credibility, Murthy acknowledged corporate greed as a cause of public distrust. He advocated for "compassionate capitalism" based on fairness, transparency, integrity, and prioritizing societal interests over personal gain. He warned that corporations cannot thrive in failing societies and urged business leaders to adopt a long-term, socially responsible approach.

Regarding lavish lifestyles of corporate leaders, Murthy declined judgment, stating that individuals have the right to spend their money as they see fit, as long as no laws are broken. However, he reiterated the importance of prioritizing the well-being of future generations and called on corporate India to adopt a long-term, socially responsible approach.