IndianOil’s HR Director, R K Mohapatra took the mandate of handling more than 30,000 employees in February last year. Before his promotion as Director HR, Mohapatra was IndianOil Executive Director in charge of West Bengal State Office. He also served as Managing Director (MD) of IndianOil (Mauritius) Ltd, the company’s overseas subsidiary, from 2012 to 2015.
Q: How do you perceive your role as the chief of staff, leading about 30,000 employees and how different is this from your experience in the business sector?
Managing people in the organisation is a new space for me. I am working towards the key goal of how we will be as an organisation a few years from now. Things are changing quickly in the industry; if the company is not able to visualise the future, then you are not going to be successful. This is the basic activity that I have to do. The new role is giving me an opportunity to experiment with new things. According to me, innovation is the key element in HR. Different sectors in IndianOil have prepared me for dealing with every situation. Involvement in business prompts one to assume one’s role as a leader. HR is the same as any other leadership position where you lead or manage your people. My past experiences are assisting me to do these basic activities, and now I am in a strong position to know more about the employees and officers. Moreover, I am more empathetic towards these requirements, and I consider HR as an interesting space where I can think and act differently.
Q: Can you share how your past experiences are helping you in the current designation?
In the West Bengal office, I had to manage a workforce of 1200 employees who had different aspirations and ways of working. Being in that leadership position gave me the advantage to understand each person’s positive and negative areas, and that proved beneficial for me to realise the essential requirements in this field. As a leader, I cannot define myself as a realist since I expect more satisfactory performance from employees who are left in the field. I get the advantage as a business person when I recognise my limits, i.e. to what extent I can go or cannot go.
Q: You mentioned that gut feeling gives an edge over data analytics to manage people and accuracy?
The primary aspect I share with my people is that you can’t replace the human touch and it has to stay. Earlier we were not provided with data as a part of decision making. It was after the digitalisation process that everything began to be created and stored as data. Capturing of data is important and it acts as a tool to analyze people and take actions for the future accordingly. Technology gives me options, but in the end, it’s the human touch that takes the final call.
Q: What is your standpoint regarding the view that PSUs were slow to adapt to the digital world, unlike the private companies?
I cannot completely agree with this opinion. When we compare companies such as Mahindra and Infosys with our company, a wide difference can be seen in the working process. Our activities are mainly done by giving priority to business and at the end of the day, what appears to be relevant is only business. So, HR has to understand and supplement business by motivating people and by aligning their activities which can contribute to the business. We were not slow to embrace digital; we were enjoying a lot of scope and possibilities that were being available to us.
Q: What do you consider as the actual impact of tech disruption on the workforce?
A recent newspaper report suggests that ‘Artificial Intelligence will only define the way we are doing business rather than adversely affecting the workforce’. Due to the technological disruption, maybe there will arise the necessity of changing the way of working such as the requirement of a varied type of workforce or different competence. But I believe that the basic requirements of a person like motivation, happiness, content or satisfaction will remain.
Q: How is IndianOil planning to embrace technology that will change the future of work?
Our organisation has undergone three phases. The first phase was related to manual procedures when everything was done on a manual basis. We introduced the ‘Terminal Documentation Module’ around 1989 and implemented SAP in 1999 and 2000. Now, the application of Artificial Intelligence will be a great game changer for Indian Oil. The large base of potential customers is viewed as an asset, and we even claim that around 130 crore people are our customers. To address the customers’ requirements, we have formulated the CRM project and have connected with people through LPG distribution. The data generated from these places was later utilised to identify the requirements and to take proactive actions for our customers.
Q: After the recent #MeToo movement, are there any plans to enhance your sexual harassment policies?
Does IndianOil intend to revisit policies on LGBTQ?
Our organisation’s current workforce includes nine percent of women. The number is low mainly because initially there were only manual based activities. Our sexual harassment policy is upgraded, and I would like to claim that we are ahead of other companies. We aim to promote women to top positions and to create gender equality in the workspace. As far as LGBT is concerned, we have not formulated any such policies, but we are working towards it.
At many places in this website, you shall find links to other websites/portals. The links have been placed for your convenience. IndianOil is not responsible for the contents and reliability of the linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in them. Mere presence of the link or its listing on this website should not be assumed as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
When you select a link to an external website, you shall be leaving IndianOil's website and shall be subject to the privacy and security policies of the owners/sponsors of the outside website(s).
IndianOil cannot authorise the use of copyrighted material contained in the linked website(s). Users are advised to request for such authorisation from the owners of the linked website(s).
Prior permission is required before hyperlinks are directed from any website/portal to this site. Permission for the same, stating the nature of the content on the pages from where the link has to be given and the exact language of the Hyperlink, should be obtained by sending a request to our Corporate Office. Please visit the Contact Us page of our website for more information.
Also, we do not permit our pages to be loaded into frames on your site. The pages belonging to this site must load into a newly opened browser window of the user.
At many places in this website, you shall find links to other websites/portals. The links have been placed for your convenience. IndianOil is not responsible for the contents and reliability of the linked websites and does not necessarily endorse the views expressed in them. Mere presence of the link or its listing on this website should not be assumed as endorsement of any kind. We cannot guarantee that these links will work all the time and we have no control over the availability of linked pages.
When you select a link to an external website, you shall be leaving IndianOil's website and shall be subject to the privacy and security policies of the owners/sponsors of the outside website(s).
IndianOil cannot authorise the use of copyrighted material contained in the linked website(s). Users are advised to request for such authorisation from the owners of the linked website(s).
Prior permission is required before hyperlinks are directed from any website/portal to this site. Permission for the same, stating the nature of the content on the pages from where the link has to be given and the exact language of the Hyperlink, should be obtained by sending a request to our Corporate Office. Please visit the Contact Us page of our website for more information.
Also, we do not permit our pages to be loaded into frames on your site. The pages belonging to this site must load into a newly opened browser window of the user.
The following terms and conditions will be deemed to have been accepted by the User on usage of the website www.iocl.com. You are requested to read them carefully before you use the services of this site.
The term User shall refer to the user who is browsing the site. The term IndianOil shall refer to Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The term Site refers to www.iocl.com owned and monitored by IndianOil.
By using the Site, you agree to follow and be bound by the following terms and conditions concerning your use of the Site. IndianOil may revise the Terms of Use at any time without notice to you. Areas of the Site may have different terms of use posted. If there is a conflict between the Terms of Use and terms of use posted for a specific area of the Site, the latter shall have precedence with respect to your use of that area of the Site.
IndianOil may terminate User's access at any time for any reason. The provisions regarding to disclaimer of warranty, accuracy of information, and indemnification shall survive such termination. IndianOil may monitor access to the Site.
All content present on this site is the exclusive property of IndianOil. The software, text, images, graphics, video and audio used on this site belong to IndianOil. No material from this site may be copied, modified, reproduced, republished, uploaded, transmitted, posted or distributed in any form without prior written permission from IndianOil. All rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Unauthorized use of the materials appearing on this site may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws, and could result in criminal or civil penalties. IndianOil is a registered trademark of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. This trademark may not be used in any manner without prior written consent from IndianOil.
IndianOil does not make any warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to any information, data, statements or products made available on the Site.
The Site, and all content, materials, information, software, products and services provided on the Site, are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. IndianOil expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
IndianOil shall have no responsibility for any damage to User's computer system or loss of data that results from the download of any content, materials, information from the Site.
IndianOil may change or discontinue any aspect of its website at any time, including, its content or features. IndianOil reserves the right to change the terms and conditions applicable to use of the Site. Such changes shall be effective immediately upon notice, which shall be placed on the Site.
In no event will IndianOil be liable for damages of any kind, including without limitation, direct, incidental or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, damages for lost profits, business interruption and loss of programs or information) arising out of the use of or inability to use IndianOil's website, or any information provided on the website, or in the Products any claim attributable to errors, omissions or other inaccuracies in the Product or interpretations thereof. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability. Accordingly, some of the above limitations may not apply to the User.
User agrees to indemnify, defend and hold IndianOil harmless from and against all losses, expenses, damages and costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or relating to any misuse by the User of the content and services provided on the Site.
The information contained in the Site has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. IndianOil disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information.
IndianOil makes no warranty that: (a) the Site will meet your requirements; (b) the Site will be available on an uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free basis; (c) the results that may be obtained from the use of the Site or any services offered through the Site will be accurate or reliable.
The User's right to privacy is of paramount importance to IndianOil. Any information provided by the User will not be shared with any third party. IndianOil reserves the right to use the information to provide the User a more personalized online experience.
The Site provides links to web sites and access to content, products and services from third parties, including users, advertisers, affiliates and sponsors of the Site. You agree that IndianOil is not responsible for the availability of, and content provided on, third party web sites. The User is requested to peruse the policies posted by other web sites regarding privacy and other topics before use. IndianOil is not responsible for third party content accessible through the Site, including opinions, advice, statements and advertisements, and User shall bear all risks associated with the use of such content. IndianOil is not responsible for any loss or damage of any sort User may incur from dealing with any third party.
The following terms and conditions will be deemed to have been accepted by the User on usage of the website www.iocl.com. You are requested to read them carefully before you use the services of this site.
The term User shall refer to the user who is browsing the site. The term IndianOil shall refer to Indian Oil Corporation Limited. The term Site refers to www.iocl.com owned and monitored by IndianOil.
By using the Site, you agree to follow and be bound by the following terms and conditions concerning your use of the Site. IndianOil may revise the Terms of Use at any time without notice to you. Areas of the Site may have different terms of use posted. If there is a conflict between the Terms of Use and terms of use posted for a specific area of the Site, the latter shall have precedence with respect to your use of that area of the Site.
IndianOil may terminate User's access at any time for any reason. The provisions regarding to disclaimer of warranty, accuracy of information, and indemnification shall survive such termination. IndianOil may monitor access to the Site.
All content present on this site is the exclusive property of IndianOil. The software, text, images, graphics, video and audio used on this site belong to IndianOil. No material from this site may be copied, modified, reproduced, republished, uploaded, transmitted, posted or distributed in any form without prior written permission from IndianOil. All rights not expressly granted herein are reserved. Unauthorized use of the materials appearing on this site may violate copyright, trademark and other applicable laws, and could result in criminal or civil penalties. IndianOil is a registered trademark of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. This trademark may not be used in any manner without prior written consent from IndianOil.
IndianOil does not make any warranties, express or implied, including, without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to any information, data, statements or products made available on the Site.
The Site, and all content, materials, information, software, products and services provided on the Site, are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis. IndianOil expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.
IndianOil shall have no responsibility for any damage to User's computer system or loss of data that results from the download of any content, materials, information from the Site.
IndianOil may change or discontinue any aspect of its website at any time, including, its content or features. IndianOil reserves the right to change the terms and conditions applicable to use of the Site. Such changes shall be effective immediately upon notice, which shall be placed on the Site.
In no event will IndianOil be liable for damages of any kind, including without limitation, direct, incidental or consequential damages (including, but not limited to, damages for lost profits, business interruption and loss of programs or information) arising out of the use of or inability to use IndianOil's website, or any information provided on the website, or in the Products any claim attributable to errors, omissions or other inaccuracies in the Product or interpretations thereof. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitation or exclusion of liability. Accordingly, some of the above limitations may not apply to the User.
User agrees to indemnify, defend and hold IndianOil harmless from and against all losses, expenses, damages and costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees, arising out of or relating to any misuse by the User of the content and services provided on the Site.
The information contained in the Site has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. IndianOil disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information.
IndianOil makes no warranty that: (a) the Site will meet your requirements; (b) the Site will be available on an uninterrupted, timely, secure, or error-free basis; (c) the results that may be obtained from the use of the Site or any services offered through the Site will be accurate or reliable.
The User's right to privacy is of paramount importance to IndianOil. Any information provided by the User will not be shared with any third party. IndianOil reserves the right to use the information to provide the User a more personalized online experience.
The Site provides links to web sites and access to content, products and services from third parties, including users, advertisers, affiliates and sponsors of the Site. You agree that IndianOil is not responsible for the availability of, and content provided on, third party web sites. The User is requested to peruse the policies posted by other web sites regarding privacy and other topics before use. IndianOil is not responsible for third party content accessible through the Site, including opinions, advice, statements and advertisements, and User shall bear all risks associated with the use of such content. IndianOil is not responsible for any loss or damage of any sort User may incur from dealing with any third party.
GRIEVANCE OFFICER
In accordance with the Indian Information Technology Act 2000 and the rules notified thereunder, the contact details of the Grievance Officer are provided below:
Sh. Abhinav Bhatt,
Corporate Business Technology Centre,
Indian Oil Institute of Petroleum Management Campus,
Plot No. 83, Institutional Area,
Sector 18, Gurugram,
Haryana – 122001
Email: data-grievance[at]indianoil[dot]in
Phone : 0124-2861509
Click here to view IndianOil's Data Privacy Policy (Offline Data Collection).
Click here to view IndianOil's Data Privacy Policy (Online Data Collection).
CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
The Policy is subject to modifications from time to time. If IOCL decides to change this Policy, IOCL shall publish the modified Policy on its website.
GRIEVANCE OFFICER
In accordance with the Indian Information Technology Act 2000 and the rules notified thereunder, the contact details of the Grievance Officer are provided below:
Sh. Abhinav Bhatt,
Corporate Business Technology Centre,
Indian Oil Institute of Petroleum Management Campus,
Plot No. 83, Institutional Area,
Sector 18, Gurugram,
Haryana – 122001
Email: data-grievance[at]indianoil[dot]in
Phone : 0124-2861509
Click here to view IndianOil's Data Privacy Policy (Offline Data Collection).
Click here to view IndianOil's Data Privacy Policy (Online Data Collection).
CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
The Policy is subject to modifications from time to time. If IOCL decides to change this Policy, IOCL shall publish the modified Policy on its website.
All content, designs, logos, images, and materials displayed on this website are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any content from this site is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
Prohibition of Design and Layout Replication
We kindly remind our users, visitors, and third parties that replicating, copying, or imitating our website’s design, layout, or any distinctive features without explicit authorization is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
Replicating the visual design or layout of our webpages.
Copying or mimicking our unique combination of colors, fonts, graphical elements, or navigational elements.
Reproducing our website’s structure, organization, or presentation.
Using any automated tools, software, or manual methods to replicate or copy any aspect of our website’s design or layout
Copyright Infringement Notice
We take copyright infringement seriously and will pursue appropriate legal action against those who infringe upon our intellectual property rights.
Conclusion
We appreciate your understanding and compliance with our Copyright Policy. By accessing or using our website, you agree to abide by these copyright protections and refrain from unauthorized replication or copying of our design and layout.
Thank you for visiting!
All content, designs, logos, images, and materials displayed on this website are protected by copyright and other intellectual property laws. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or modification of any content from this site is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
Prohibition of Design and Layout Replication
We kindly remind our users, visitors, and third parties that replicating, copying, or imitating our website’s design, layout, or any distinctive features without explicit authorization is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
Replicating the visual design or layout of our webpages.
Copying or mimicking our unique combination of colors, fonts, graphical elements, or navigational elements.
Reproducing our website’s structure, organization, or presentation.
Using any automated tools, software, or manual methods to replicate or copy any aspect of our website’s design or layout
Copyright Infringement Notice
We take copyright infringement seriously and will pursue appropriate legal action against those who infringe upon our intellectual property rights.
Conclusion
We appreciate your understanding and compliance with our Copyright Policy. By accessing or using our website, you agree to abide by these copyright protections and refrain from unauthorized replication or copying of our design and layout.
Thank you for visiting!