Not the “New Normal” but a long due “Re-Set”

Changes are due; the pandemic is only an excuse for a new direction that the world ignored for a long period of time. If crony capitalism were ever to be true, betting on the political class from here on is going to be dangerous. There has been a consistent amount of discourse created, “the new normal” is an elusive shift but less is anticipated on how tables might turn. Historically, capitalism has taken the heat while transnational events have camouflaged business activities. Nevertheless, the bitter-sweet problem of allocating resources appropriately stands out every-time there is a global distress. It would be too early to determine future trends but these changes are underway. 

The Business of Introspection 

When was the last time board meetings introspected away from stakeholder centered interests? The process of adding value to products and services has enthusiastically shifted from the employees to employers. The administrative and management filters have lost all effectiveness. Introspection has been a key business activity in itself, competition has waned, sustainability is now the driving force. It is a harsh reminder of how the market is also about buyers of the quality that does not adhere to the principles of consumerism-shamelessly laid down by the producers. This is not a new normal. It is how normal should have been like. The business of introspection is an evidence of how consumers via the principle of choice, value, suitability and fairness will determine kings and pawns in the market. The age of comprehensive monopoly is over. Markets around the world will have lesser patience for non performing goods and services. For sellers, introspection is the new investment.

Labour Productivity- The New Normal

We were living in a world where “Administrative Strategy” was the normal. The science of office politics was on the verge of validation. The pandemic has redirected all focus onto the consumer centric approach of administrative activity. The activity in all administrative pursuit has been the problem with office productivity. It is actually the space that has been allowing for creativity with hierarchical manipulation. 2020 onwards, such indulgence will come costly. Slacking labour will effortlessly inspire auditors to designate it as an expense. Watch out! The productivity argument will soar again, albeit for innumerable reasons. When was the last time administration as an entity was adding value to the finished goods and services? The margins are thin and customers, if it was forgotten; are the gods. Office politics will now take inspiration with a penultimate goal- customer satisfaction.

Home Delivery- The New Market

There were warning signs. With the boom of businesses reaching out to customers, value driven brands were shrugging the idea. There was a speculative value added for the elite class in the entire experience of choice and spending. Without the pandemic, home delivery would not have gained significant amount of acceptance. Now, there is a negative value associated with a virus that does not seem to have a cure. These are challenging times for brands justifying the value of shopping experience and consequently higher prices. On the side of favorable reality, households have become the new form of market place. Delivery agents are competing for impression, safety and speed. When was the last time expensive luxury showrooms welcomed the lesser class? Racial and income stigmas were ever-present and mostly ignored. No matter what the product is, it now has to be highly accessible for any chance of sales. 

This is not the new normal. This is a re-set that was long due.

Sisir Devkota Strategic Services is a strategic consulting provider working with businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs, interest groups and individuals to help in the process of research and growth. All the programs are tailored to the needs of the clients.