What do you think?
Rate this book
The Tata Group: From Torchbearers to Trailblazers
With over 100 companies offering products and services across 150 countries, 700,000 employees contributing a revenue of US$100-billion, the Tata Group is India's largest and most globalized business conglomerate. The Tata name is known for salt, software, cars, communications, housing and hospitality.How did they come so far?How did they groom leadership, delight customers and drive business excellence?How did they maintain a brand and corporate values that are considered gold standard?A deep-dive into the Tata universe brings forth hitherto lesser-known facts and insights. It also brings you face-to-face with business decisions and outcomes that are most How did Tata Motors turnround Jaguar Land Rover when Ford failed to do so?- Why wasn't TCS listed during the IT-boom?- Why wasn't Tata Steel's Corus acquisition successful?This definitive book tells riveting tales and gives insider accounts of adventure and achievement, conflict and compassion, dilemmas and decisions across twenty-five Tata companies. With over a decade of rigorous research, interviews with 100 senior Tata leaders, and pan-India site visits, this book decodes the Tata principles of business. It's an exceptional blend of a business biography and a management classic.
619 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2018
48 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 11, 2019
Shashank Shah has outdone himself in this crisply written book on the Tata Group. And, writing a crisp narrative over 300 pages is no mean task. Starting with the introduction - a history lesson indeed! - to the current day state of the Group, this account of the largest business house in India is interesting and educative for everyone - whether in business or a lay person. The enormous effort in research, synthesis and presentation is evident in every chapter of the book.
The undercurrent throughout of course is the value-based, culturally elegant, patriotic nature of the Founders and their successors that in turn is reflected in the companies they ran (and currently run). That profit is not the only motive of a business; that it is one's duty to also bring the poor and the vulnerable out of their misery, not through dole or charity (alone), but by providing opportunities through education, for example; by treating workers well; by building institutions that will contribute to nation building - these are the highlights of the legacy of the Tata's that lives on. Shashank brings out these mammoth contributions of the Tata's to the forefront through examples too numerous to list here.
As a resident of "Old Bangalore", I was pleased to read small nuggets such as the "Tata Silk Farm" (right in my backyard, and still referred to as such, even though there are no silk farms there anymore). And of course, the "Tata Institute" as IISc is fondly referred to.
All in all, beyond just being an enjoyable read, this book gives us a glimpse of what is possible in this country of our's, if only men and women of high moral standards, ethics, values and vision lead the way forward by establishing institutions and businesses that follow, uphold and propagate such high standards through generations.
The undercurrent throughout of course is the value-based, culturally elegant, patriotic nature of the Founders and their successors that in turn is reflected in the companies they ran (and currently run). That profit is not the only motive of a business; that it is one's duty to also bring the poor and the vulnerable out of their misery, not through dole or charity (alone), but by providing opportunities through education, for example; by treating workers well; by building institutions that will contribute to nation building - these are the highlights of the legacy of the Tata's that lives on. Shashank brings out these mammoth contributions of the Tata's to the forefront through examples too numerous to list here.
As a resident of "Old Bangalore", I was pleased to read small nuggets such as the "Tata Silk Farm" (right in my backyard, and still referred to as such, even though there are no silk farms there anymore). And of course, the "Tata Institute" as IISc is fondly referred to.
All in all, beyond just being an enjoyable read, this book gives us a glimpse of what is possible in this country of our's, if only men and women of high moral standards, ethics, values and vision lead the way forward by establishing institutions and businesses that follow, uphold and propagate such high standards through generations.
May 6, 2020
The Tata Group - From Torchbearers to trailblazers brings to life the heritage of the 150 plus old Group which has 100 companies under its wings. The Tata group is part of Indian heritage and has impact generations of so many Indian lives
Jamsetji, the founder of the Tata group is referred to as "Father of Indian Industry" and seems to great respect and unrivaled position in the history of Indian business. Starting from setting up of empress mill in 1869, to setting of core Industries such as tata steel at times when people did not venture. He was a pioneer, always ahead in his thinking, understood what India and its people would need to grow to post-independence.
Tata group is a firm that was established in Indian soil with Indian blood and with the hard-earned money of Indian. He laid down a strong foundation for the group and based on values that are relevant even today. When Indians and India as a country were fighting for freedom from British rule and colonization, he envisioned what the nation would require to run post-Independence.
We all know that Air India was nationalized by the government after Independence, but New India Insurance which was also started by the Tata group to was nationalized. I didn't know that New India Insurance was initially started by Tatas.
As a group, they believed in standing for what they believed in, never believed in bribing to get any approvals from the government even when their competitors were doing so. There have been several occasions, under both the Nehru and Indira Gandhi rule, they have to wait to few years to get permission despite their reputation, trust and contribution to India and its growth.
Another fun fact, they did divest a few firms which I didn't know was once under their umbrella. To names them, few of them were Lakme to HUL, ACC(cement) to Gujarat Ambuja Cement, Merind(Pharma) to Wockhardt, and Goodlass Nerolac(Paints) to Kansai Paint Company.
A certain amount of profits from Individual companies under the Tata Umbrella goes to Tata Trusts and they are used for funding various NGO companies. In fact, a good portion of the money goes to giving back to the community. Instead of being profit-oriented, or personal profit, the Tata believed in giving back to the community. Given their global presence, they collaborate with the various organization in India and other countries, to do something for the betterment of people and for various social causes. If they have been profit-oriented and adding money to their own pockets, they would be the richest group.
At the same time, giving back something to the society that has an impact on millions of lives, help gain trust, and thus earn them economic values. They even work for the communities surrounding their factory or tea plantation and those working for them. The employees were taken care of, from both the financial aspects and their family is taken care of like in Jamshedpur. They were given various employee benefits even before the government-mandated few policies for the employees.
"The first thing we look at is what is right for the nation and larger economy, then we look at what is right for the group, and what is right for the company and business. That is how the entire thought-process works in the Tata group and that is how this group has been for over a century" - Veeramani Shankar
The Tata group believed in having a human touch with its shareholders. JRD was referred to known as "Benign Baron" and preferred to have a relationship with stakeholders on normative, moral commitments rather than as those who are responsible for profit. He liked to have a human touch in his relationship with stakeholders rather than seeing them only in terms of profit and business. This approach did earn them reputation and trust, thus providing the firm the required economic benefits. The group gave immense importance to ethics and values
There were many instances and incidences in the book which played an integral part in the growth of various companies under the Tata group. They help understand how they have survived 150 years, stood test of time, overcome cyclical changes in business, liberalization, mastermind behind the global expansion.
This is a book worth reading and must-read to understand the essence and the heritage of The Tata group
Jamsetji, the founder of the Tata group is referred to as "Father of Indian Industry" and seems to great respect and unrivaled position in the history of Indian business. Starting from setting up of empress mill in 1869, to setting of core Industries such as tata steel at times when people did not venture. He was a pioneer, always ahead in his thinking, understood what India and its people would need to grow to post-independence.
Tata group is a firm that was established in Indian soil with Indian blood and with the hard-earned money of Indian. He laid down a strong foundation for the group and based on values that are relevant even today. When Indians and India as a country were fighting for freedom from British rule and colonization, he envisioned what the nation would require to run post-Independence.
We all know that Air India was nationalized by the government after Independence, but New India Insurance which was also started by the Tata group to was nationalized. I didn't know that New India Insurance was initially started by Tatas.
As a group, they believed in standing for what they believed in, never believed in bribing to get any approvals from the government even when their competitors were doing so. There have been several occasions, under both the Nehru and Indira Gandhi rule, they have to wait to few years to get permission despite their reputation, trust and contribution to India and its growth.
Another fun fact, they did divest a few firms which I didn't know was once under their umbrella. To names them, few of them were Lakme to HUL, ACC(cement) to Gujarat Ambuja Cement, Merind(Pharma) to Wockhardt, and Goodlass Nerolac(Paints) to Kansai Paint Company.
A certain amount of profits from Individual companies under the Tata Umbrella goes to Tata Trusts and they are used for funding various NGO companies. In fact, a good portion of the money goes to giving back to the community. Instead of being profit-oriented, or personal profit, the Tata believed in giving back to the community. Given their global presence, they collaborate with the various organization in India and other countries, to do something for the betterment of people and for various social causes. If they have been profit-oriented and adding money to their own pockets, they would be the richest group.
At the same time, giving back something to the society that has an impact on millions of lives, help gain trust, and thus earn them economic values. They even work for the communities surrounding their factory or tea plantation and those working for them. The employees were taken care of, from both the financial aspects and their family is taken care of like in Jamshedpur. They were given various employee benefits even before the government-mandated few policies for the employees.
"The first thing we look at is what is right for the nation and larger economy, then we look at what is right for the group, and what is right for the company and business. That is how the entire thought-process works in the Tata group and that is how this group has been for over a century" - Veeramani Shankar
The Tata group believed in having a human touch with its shareholders. JRD was referred to known as "Benign Baron" and preferred to have a relationship with stakeholders on normative, moral commitments rather than as those who are responsible for profit. He liked to have a human touch in his relationship with stakeholders rather than seeing them only in terms of profit and business. This approach did earn them reputation and trust, thus providing the firm the required economic benefits. The group gave immense importance to ethics and values
There were many instances and incidences in the book which played an integral part in the growth of various companies under the Tata group. They help understand how they have survived 150 years, stood test of time, overcome cyclical changes in business, liberalization, mastermind behind the global expansion.
This is a book worth reading and must-read to understand the essence and the heritage of The Tata group
November 27, 2020
Extremely well written book about the history of Tata and their companies. It shares how they were able to build a conglomerate & keep themselves expanding into newer business across 150 years. This book details both the ups and downs of Tata and how some companies which were at brink of shutdown are able to lead the industry today and why some of their bets did not work.
What stands out and something I really respect the Tata for is their culture and their CSR activities. CSR is ingrained in the Tata DNA and their aim is to build not just the company but the communities in which they operate and help multiple social causes which in turn build the nation.
Something I really take back from the book is even though the journey to success is challenging and long if you do things in the right way, "you will sleep well at nights".
What stands out and something I really respect the Tata for is their culture and their CSR activities. CSR is ingrained in the Tata DNA and their aim is to build not just the company but the communities in which they operate and help multiple social causes which in turn build the nation.
Something I really take back from the book is even though the journey to success is challenging and long if you do things in the right way, "you will sleep well at nights".
February 24, 2019
I have always been inspired by Ratan Tata and the complete hierarchy of Tatas. But this book has not only inspired me further but also made me understand the process and hardships faced by the Tatas for making every company born, stand and survive on the top. Shashank Shah took so many years to research, analyze and write the book. It is surely worth the time he took.
Here are the products which are mentioned in this book:
Tata Sons
Tata Textile
Tata Steel
Taj Hotel
Tata Airlines
TCS
Taj Hotel
Titan
Tata Motors
Tanishq
Tata Telecomm
Tata Tea
Tata Chemicals
Tata Capital
Tata Power
and many more which I couldn't recall.
Also the contribution of Tatas in social services, bureaucracy and nation-building are enormous. While being a businessman, be like a Tata.
Here are the products which are mentioned in this book:
Tata Sons
Tata Textile
Tata Steel
Taj Hotel
Tata Airlines
TCS
Taj Hotel
Titan
Tata Motors
Tanishq
Tata Telecomm
Tata Tea
Tata Chemicals
Tata Capital
Tata Power
and many more which I couldn't recall.
Also the contribution of Tatas in social services, bureaucracy and nation-building are enormous. While being a businessman, be like a Tata.
March 27, 2019
Though few of the chapters felt monotonous, the book summed up the entire history of Tata Sons. The enormous research done by the author is evident in the book.
April 6, 2019
Very well written book that talks about the ethical issues concerning the Tata Conglomerate.
June 27, 2020
I have seldom read a more insightful book than this. Detailing the journey of the legend known as Tata, the tome takes you through a significant part of how some of the companies came to be. It also details the plight of the private sector during the post independence years and the tendency to have things 'managed'. The MRTP and FERA acts seem to have been aimed at stonewalling progress. I'm sure that every Indian must read this to know about the Tata group. Also, you'll get an inkling as to what the country could have been if any of the post independence governments of the time had supported the Tata's cause - that of building the nation.
July 4, 2019
A Delightful read!
Beautifully captures the essence of the Tatas' 150 year rich history & culture interspersed with business learnings & insights. The chapters are well crafted & thematically designed and the intense research and work done on the group is palpable as you turn through the pages.
Brilliantly written by Mr. Shah, a stakeholder management strategist and also the author of Soulful Corporations and Win-Win Corporations, the theoretical underpinning of all the books being corporate success through value based management practices.
Beautifully captures the essence of the Tatas' 150 year rich history & culture interspersed with business learnings & insights. The chapters are well crafted & thematically designed and the intense research and work done on the group is palpable as you turn through the pages.
Brilliantly written by Mr. Shah, a stakeholder management strategist and also the author of Soulful Corporations and Win-Win Corporations, the theoretical underpinning of all the books being corporate success through value based management practices.
February 16, 2019
Trust and Success ..the Tata way.. vividly captured the Tatas cardinal decisions and growth not only the financial front but also on the social front . Lucidly written and captured by Dr.Shashank Shah.
May 12, 2019
This book is a true delight for anyone who is interested in knowing what makes the TATA group. Their values, principles and guiding light.
It is one of the books that will always be on my bookshelf and will keep on referring in the coming times.
It is one of the books that will always be on my bookshelf and will keep on referring in the coming times.
October 15, 2019
The book is a good chronicle of the Tata Group. However, it comes across as biased and does not discuss the failings of the group adequately. For example, the exodus of Cyrus Mistry gets no mention in the book, while issues like Singur and completely externalised to the polity.
June 7, 2021
The story of the Tata Group is covered through excellent anecdotes which makes you live those experiences. It is an excellent book to understand the issues faced by business houses and what this group has done to stand the test of time.
July 18, 2019
Shashank has done a good amount of research in writing the material. The book includes fact based case studies around every corners of pages making it an interesting read !
December 22, 2019
A very nice book.which gives the full information about the Tata's ideology
February 23, 2020
A good read about an outstanding group!
July 18, 2020
The amazing story of the rise of a Parsi immigrant family in India.
July 18, 2021
Very well written & well researched read. Super job done by the author .
October 31, 2021
Best book on corporate governance and the struggled to establish an ethical business!!! Fantastic and important read
April 11, 2022
Overall a great book! A little lengthy read (skipped few chapters).
October 16, 2022
Started out very interesting with amazing history but became boring later. This book is too long and starts giving unnecessary details. Couldn't finish it.
July 21, 2023
Was a great read that was quite inspirational in terms of how a business should be conducted without foregoing ethics and morals!
February 23, 2019
Dr Shashank has a keen eye for spotting ethical practices underlying any activity. In this book, he has beautifully brought out the same in the case of the Tata group. Anyone who strives to build or run businesses would enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews