Business, Through the Green

Business today has transcended borders, cultures, languages and differences. Yet it is often viewed myopically as an exchange that occurs within the four walls of an organization. A set of top executives in the board room, discussing the strategies that would alter the face of the organization is a common sight in most organizations. Those who are aware of Game Theory would agree that Business is synonymous with a game, just like say poker where what cards you have and more importantly how you play them would determine your success in the game. But if business is a game can it be played on the field? Why not?!

Think about it, teamwork, strategies, payoffs, competition, rewards and recognition are common jargons in both sports as well as Business. Wayne Winston of the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, in his book, “Mathletics” looks at applying techniques taught to MBA candidates—such as analyzing probability and statistics—to the sports business. These, he says, can deal with a range of sports-related issues, such as ticket pricing, marketing the team, and even how many hot dogs to order for fixtures. Professor Winston is also a consultant for the Dallas Mavericks, another NBA team. There, he uses his techniques to assess the team's performance data to discover the best players, the best combinations and their appropriate salary levels.

Speaking of the link between sports and business, one sport that crosses my mind is Golf.Contrast the closed board room, with the sprawling lush green golf course. Golf, unlike cricket is not a game for the masses; rather it requires a skill-set common to few. A hawk-like keen observation, a strategic mind and measured actions characterize this game. This leads us to draw parallels between business and golf. After all both involve the decision maker to be aware of his surroundings, strategize his next move, and play accordingly. Herein lies the genesis of the theory that Golf can be a medium of interaction and exchange of ideas among corporates. One can now better understand the reason behind Accenture’s promotional strategy that uses Tiger Woods as their ambassador. Golf is a game that speaks of a high level of concentration and resilience, and in its seemingly serene nature lies its strength. Compared to Cricket or football, golf seems much more docile and involves a great amount of mental work, in order to make the putt.  Is it not similar to the businessman with his energy channelized towards achieving a single objective? In fact the green golf course is the best metaphor one can get for Sustainable and green business, a much needed aspect in the corporate world.

Today, corporates are exploring different avenues to interact, such as malls and coffee houses whose informal surroundings enable them to interact freely and think out-of-the- box. These informal settings stimulate their lateral thinking and this practice is fast catching up. Imagine a corporate interaction on the field, a sales-pitch on the pitch, and driving home a point just like making the putt. After all there is sufficient time to interact, negotiate and build relations during the game. This is precisely the idea that IIM Shillong has been trying to transform into a reality. The highlight of our annual Golf cup is Corporate-B-school interactions and corporate talks over a game of golf, and on 8^th and 9^th of October we will be kick starting our 4^th season of the Golf cup. Will this novel idea spread and lead to more such off-the field collaborations? Only time will tell. Remember, the ball is in your court, rather in your course and it is up to you to make every stroke count.

Sowmya R 

PGP11