Dhirubhai Ambani and Reliance

Reliance Without Dhirubhai Contd...

He faced the toughest battles with the toughest of politicians and bureaucrats and was eventually successful in gaining a victory over all his political and corporate rivals. His business ideologies have been praised and are being emulated the world over (Refer Exhibit VI, for Management Mantras of Dhirubhai and Exhibit VII for achievements of Dhirubhai). Some sceptics believe that Reliance would no longer be the same after Dhirubhai.

The extraordinary growth of the company was based on the vision, energy and lobbying power of Dhirubhai as well as the willingness and ability of the Indian government to promote its expansion. The competition now is with major multinational players whose ability to influence governments in various ways is well known. Right from the time he suffered his first stroke in 1986, Dhirubhai groomed his sons Mukesh and Anil Ambani to take care of the day-to-day operations of Reliance. It was from Dhirubhai that his sons imbibed the quality to think big. Mukesh's skills were quite evident from his successful management of the Patalganga and Jamnagar projects and Anil was adept at the finances. Despite their elite education, their most important training came from Dhirubhai.

He provided them with a strategic vision. His sons always considered themselves as co – builders rather than inheritors of Reliance. Dhirubhai's words way back in 1993 reflected the immense confidence he restored in his sons, "Reliance can now run without me." After his demise, Mukesh was appointed the Chairman and Managing Director of the Reliance group while Anil became the Vice Chairman. It remains to be seen whether Reliance will maintain its lead and growth over large multinationals in years to come.

Exhibits

Exhibit I: Reliance Group of Companies
Exhibit II: The Ambani Family Tree
Exhibit III: Chronology of Events
Exhibit IV: The Bombay Dyeing and Manufacturing Co. Ltd.
Exhibit V: Backward Integration
Exhibit VI: Management Mantras of Dhirubhai Ambani
Exhibit VII: Achievements of Dhirubhai Ambani

Case Details

Case Code : LDEN011
Themes: Corporate Social Responsibility, Great Leaders
Case Length : 17 Pages
Period : 1958-2002
Organization : Reliance India
Pub Date : 2001
Teaching Note : Not Available
Countries : India
Industry : Varied

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