By Benjamin Lyngdoh
Marxism (a term used to project the works and contributions of Karl Marx [1818-1883]) is a thought. It encompasses a series of theories, some of which are considered fundamental truths and even further still, some are considered as law. Be that as it may, for the purpose of this article, Marxism is an argument. As such, although Marxism is more of a philosophical and a sociological phenomenon, there is also a business connotation to it. Importantly, there is a dynamic interaction between Marxism and business. This is even more so when considered from the context of a striving and struggling community; hence, the aspect of a Khasi is in perspective here. Accordingly, the discourse is presented in the following pointers –
Firstly, the Marxism thought specifically applied to the current argument is superstructure and base. The superstructure refers to aspects of society and includes culture, ideology, norms and expectations, social institutions, political structure and the state. The base represents production, means of production, operations, processes and procedures. As such and within the continuum of business, the base covers business practices from the prism of operations, processes and procedures. The important point here is the interaction between the superstructure and base. This is the crux from which the discourse continues. The interaction flows in the form of a spiral; but where is the starting point? Well, the starting point is the base precisely as it is subject to constraints and limitations (as in, the means of production are always scarce). Be that as it may, this base influences the ideologies and outlook (superstructure) and this flow continues in the form of an ever expanding spiral. Hence, as the interaction continues, it impacts upon the growth and development of societies.
Secondly and continuing from the above, the more vibrant and pragmatic is the base as seen in business practices the more broad and dynamic is the ideology and outlook as represented by the superstructure. This is basically the model upon which communities learn, adapt and grow. As such, it can be stated that communities with broad ideologies tend to apply more dynamic business practices and vice versa. Hence, there is a need for synergizing to this end. Critically, businesses that can synergize and strategize accordingly can expect a continued path of economic growth and overall development. As a result, the business can scale up into a different level in terms of products/services and market. Thus, the conceptualization of this Marxism thought in relation to business is a key for mapping a path towards prosperity; both in terms of economics and behaviour. Importantly, the examples are not few and far between. In Shillong city itself we can compare between successful and struggling businesses (of similar size and nature); obviously there is a difference. Interestingly, this difference can be inferred on the basis of this Marxism thought.
Thirdly and in relation to the above, where do we stand as a community? Here, let us first resign to the fact that by blood and by nature we are predominantly not a business-oriented community. However, this does not imply a situation that is bereft of learning and adaptation. Over the years the populace has struggled through difficult situations and scarcity of job opportunities have propelled the spirit of entrepreneurship. In addition, there are a few beaming examples of successful businesses. Disturbingly, in general, many of our businesses seem to struggle and slip into stagnation and sometimes into oblivion. As an analogy, our businesses life-cycle is best represented by a depiction of a kerosene/oil funnel. We start out big with a lot of fanfare, but over time we narrow down into a narrow tip devoid of any economic life or potential for positive impacts. On deeper introspection, the main reason for this is glaringly visible and it smiles at us like a demon waiting to be conquered. The fact of the argument is that we do business as a last resort and not as a choice. We do business because we have to and not because we want to. We are being pushed/forced into doing business rather than pulled/motivated. The ideology behind business is despair and compulsion and not drive and determination. As a case in point, we can all look into the businesses present in our localities. Do we ever wonder that why even after so many years of existence most of them still stay the same, or some shrink in size, and even worse, some close down all together. Food for thought!!!
Fourthly, what about our business practices? In relation to this, I am trying to be as progressive in my expression as possible. However, the more of that is tried; the more depressing are the experiences that come to mind. As such, I state that in the context of business, the Khasi community is a complacent community. We do it for subsistence and not for growth and advancement; or even social change. However, we can see specific reasons for this. The reason is our values and norms. On record, I state that I respect them wholeheartedly; but I will also continue as follows. We are more into think small and do small and expect small and help small and so forth. Everything is small in our discourse. Sometimes it seems as though we tie ourselves into small tight-cornered boxes. Well, wake up and smell the coffee; the world is moving on and we must not get left behind. It is time to break the shackles and pop out of our boxes. Our business practices must reflect our ideologies. Bizarrely, in one of my interactions with an educated lady selling groceries at Mawlai, the discussion percolated into business practices in relation to this Marxist thought. We delved upon how Marxism can contribute towards business expansion and behaviour thereby leading to social change. At the end of it all, the reply and conclusion from her was ‘But I am a Khasi and how does some alien theory apply to us?’ Well, that was that for the evening and the result of the talk was more questions and intrigue rather than answers.
I say, in general it is high time to have a relook at our values and norms. To close on this, it is no surprise to experiment and find that the business behaviour of entrepreneurs at Laitumkhrah and Laban is more robust as compared to the ones at Mawlai and Jaiaw. This shows that being exposed to a mixed clientele, helps in shaping ideologies and outlook.
Lastly and in conclusion, small drops of water make a mighty ocean. Hence, be in relation to business or community as a whole; it is time to start; never mind if we start small, but it has to be sustained over time. Victory is in the mind and actions. As such, we have the potential to realize this victory. Some of us have realized this, but the need is to realize this en masse. To this end, ideologies and outlook can be the factor towards learning-oriented and growth-motivated business practices. As in the words of Karl Marx again, ‘a community that strives and struggles, grows’.
(The Author teaches at NEHU)