Infosys founder Narayana Murthy has issued a strong message to corporate leaders, urging them to prioritize the welfare of their lowest-paid employees above all else. Advocating a model of “compassionate capitalism,” Murthy underscores the need for equitable leadership that ensures the well-being of workers at every level of an organization.
“There’s no point living in ultra-luxury amid penury and suffering,” he remarked in an interview with The Economic Times. Murthy believes that senior executives should only consider their own financial rewards after ensuring that their most vulnerable employees are well-cared for.
Drawing inspiration from Indian cultural values, Murthy likened corporate leadership to a household where the head of the family ensures everyone else is fed before eating. “In Indian culture, the man and woman of the house always eat last,” he explained. “Similarly, a leader must put employees first, ensuring they can send their children to reasonable schools and afford healthcare for their families.”
Murthy’s philosophy reflects his career-long commitment to fostering a fair and compassionate work environment. He built Infosys, one of India’s most successful global corporations, on these principles and insists that this value-driven leadership approach is vital for any responsible business leader.
His perspective challenges the growing trend in corporate culture where executive perks and high-end benefits often overshadow the needs of lower-level employees. Murthy’s stance highlights the importance of aligning corporate practices with ethical values and serving as a reminder of India’s deeply rooted tradition of prioritizing collective welfare.
Murthy’s thoughts extend beyond wage fairness. He stresses the importance of creating sustainable job opportunities across diverse economic sectors, particularly for India’s rural and less-educated populations. “Unless we create low-tech jobs, overcrowding in urban areas will continue to grow,” he warned, urging a focus on employment generation outside high-tech industries.
Pointing to China’s success in establishing manufacturing jobs, Murthy advocated for India to study and adapt similar strategies to drive inclusive economic growth. He argued that sustainable development requires providing stable employment opportunities that cater to a broader spectrum of the population, including those with limited educational qualifications.
In addition to job creation, Murthy expressed caution about India’s ambitious push into artificial intelligence (AI). While AI has transformative potential, he urged policymakers and businesses to concentrate on applying existing technologies effectively rather than rushing to develop their own AI systems. He highlighted India’s inadequate data infrastructure as a significant hurdle to competing in advanced AI technologies. “Let’s first apply existing technology well before competing to develop our own,” he advised, underscoring the importance of laying a strong foundation before advancing further.
Murthy’s vision for corporate growth diverges from traditional metrics of profitability. For him, true success lies in setting a higher standard of leadership grounded in compassion, responsibility, and an inclusive approach to progress. By ensuring that growth benefits all employees, from the executive suite to the factory floor, Murthy believes businesses can create a sustainable and ethical model for success.
Reflecting on his experiences and India’s evolving economic landscape, Murthy’s words resonate as both a roadmap for future business leaders and a reminder of the enduring values of fairness and empathy.
