Indian CEOs : Competencies for Success

The paper presents findings of an empirical study, to determine the competencies required to be a successful CEO in India, undertaken by Hay Group and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. under the aegis of the Public Enterprises Selection Board. It is based on competency research methods pioneered by Dr. David McClelland of Harvard University. The 18-month study commenced by focusing on public sector leaders but enlarged its scope to include large Indian businesses. The sample comprised of well-respected CEOs from some of the best-performing and best-run companies in India (from both public and private sectors) who were compared to each other as well as a sample of outstanding CEOs from Europe, North and South America, and Asia Pacific (representing some of the best-performing companies in the world). In addition more than 50 influential leaders and experts from government, media and academia (Indian - origin faculty at Harvard Business School) were consulted. The findings have been validated by prominent leaders from government and industry. The study makes significant contributions for selection, succession planning and leadership development for successful CEO's position.