_1. When I join ITC, am I recruited for a particular Division or am I
flexible between businesses?
You are recruited into ITC and after your induction you are
assigned to a particular Division. ITC is structured such so as to ensure 'separateness'
for focus in each business and integration for synergy. New entrants are assigned to a
particular Division where the focus is on understanding that particular business: the
market, the product, the process etc. The attempt is to provide cross business exposure to
managers with demonstrated potential to enable them develop all round business skills and
prepare them for business leadership. Those individuals who prefer to grow as functional
specialists are encouraged to do so.
Movements from one business to another take place depending on the needs of the
business.
_2. Please cite a few specific examples of cross business movements.
There are several.
a. K. Vaidyanath (XLRI) joined ITC in 1976. He worked with the
Packaging and Printing Division, Corporate Treasury, the Hotels Division and the
Agri Business Division before taking charge of Corporate Internal Audit. He was
appointed to the Board of ITC in January 2001.
b. Chitranjan Dar
(IIT /IIM) joined ITC in 1980 and was assigned to the Packaging and Printing Division
where he worked in Manufacturing, Marketing and Business Development. He moved to ITC
Bhadrachalam Paperboards Limited as Head of the Marketing Function before the Company
merged with ITC. He currently heads the Lifestyle Retailing Business Division as Chief
Executive.
c. M S Gadhok (IIT)
joined ITC in 1981. He was with the Packaging and Printing Division for nearly 20 years
before moving to take charge of the Ready-To-Eat category of Foods
Division.
There are many many more.
_3. How is my career progress determined in ITC?
ITC believes the responsibility for career development
rests both with the individual and the organisation. While the organisation provides
opportunities for learning and growth, it is the individual's responsibility to ensure he
enhances his competencies to shoulder higher responsibilities. Career development
therefore is a two-way process. Above all, the key factor determining career growth is
meritocracy and performance.
_4. Is age a barrier to career growth in ITC?
Not in the least. As already stated, career growth is
determined by performance and meritocracy. The present Chairman of the Company, Mr Y C
Deveshwar, was appointed to the Board of ITC at the age of 36. The present Chief Executive
of the Tobacco Division was appointed to the post at age 40.
_5. What are the cornerstones of ITC's performance management system?
The cornerstone of the performance management system is the
Appraisal System. The individual agrees his performance objectives at the beginning of the
year with his boss. These objectives naturally flow from the objectives of the
unit/business. At the end of the year his performance is assessed against the objectives
set. The appraisal attaches as much importance to ''how'' results were achieved as to the
results themselves. The rating is determined by the manager's boss and endorsed by his
boss. Therefore, two individuals are involved in assessing a manager's performance.
The appraisal process also gives the individual an opportunity to share in a formal
manner his own career aspirations and what he needs from the organisation to enhance his
own development. Based on an assessment of development needs, a development plan is drawn
up for each manager.
Remuneration changes are made once every year based on the performance rating of the
individual. The entire process is transparent and objective.
_6. What elements does the compensation package
comprise ?
ITC's remuneration strategy is anchored in three basic
principles: market-led, performance leveraged and the capacity to pay. Remuneration is
bench marked with identified comparator organisations and reviewed periodically.
Apart from the monetary component which comprises Consolidated Salary and
Supplementary Allowance, managers are provided with quality accommodation, generous loans
for asset creation, medical assistance for self and family, leave travel assistance, etc.
At middle and senior levels. managers are provided with company maintained cars and the
facility of a club membership for business purposes
All managers are members of ITC's Retirement Funds, the Pension Scheme being one of the
most attractive in the country.
Other benefits include the facility of holiday homes, assistance for further
education/self development etc.
_7. What is the meaning of a 'Specialist'?
The Company believes that as the competitive scenario gets
more intense, specialism will increasingly become a source of unique competitive
advantage. Certain specialisms are enhanced by extended and in-depth application and
'longevity' in a position. This requires a unique approach to career management of such
'specialists.'
Some of the specialist positions are Company Solicitor, Scientist, Leaf Blender,
Product Development Specialist, Process Specialist, Instrumentation Specialist,
Agronomist, Commodity Trader, Forex Manager, Corporate Communications Specialist etc
_8. Does the Company encourage its managers to take
sabbaticals for higher education?
Yes, the Company does encourage its managers to do so. In
fact, the Company sponsors identified managers to pursue a full time MBA programme at the
IIMs, ISB and other leading management institutes. Managers are identified on the basis of
their performance and potential. Whilst the manager is away pursuing a full time MBA
programme, he continues to receive his Consolidated Salary and is reimbursed the cost of
his education to the extent of 75% of the expenditure actually incurred, subject to a
maximum of Rs.10 lakhs.
On completing the MBA programme, the manager returns to a challenging assignment.
_9. Are employees eligible for stock options?
Yes, a large number of managers are eligible for Stock
Options under the ITC Employee Stock Option Scheme. The Scheme was introduced in 2001 and
Options have been granted every year since. In 2006, Stock Options were granted to
1562
managers. The options granted to-date aggregate 1,08,35,696.
_10.
Are jobs frequently transferable?
All managerial positions are transferable. The services of a
manager can
also be transferred to a subsidiary or associate company.