The whole world now knows the fradulent intent behind the deal following the recent confessions of the chairman. Things have gone ugly now. Real ugly. The chairman, Managing director and CFO are in jail (As of January 13, 2008). The company stands on a precarious plane of collapsing under its own weight, unless a massive aid by government/PEs bails out the situation.

This is the worst situation any company can get into. More so for a thriving IT gaint. Few of the several problems that Satyam faces today

• Payment of salaries and meeting administrative expenses for the next 2 months
• Preventing employee exodus (although there is a silent no-poach agreement between the top IT firms)
• Dented client confidence and loss of new business materializing 
• Jump starting the company in the competetive growth path
• …and many more..

This is an extrordinary predicament that any company in India of the size of Satyam has put itself into. Every single regulatory body is involved in addressing the Satyam situation, be it SEBI, SFIO,RoC,Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Ministry of Commence and even the Prime Minister’s Office. All for saving an IT giant from sinking. Time of the essense.

I really appreciate the pace at which the government machinery has jumped into action. The deep setbacks that the talented employees recieved due the the tragic turn of events is being addressed in a satisfying pace. Admist all these recue missions it is surprising to see that the management of Infosys Technologies have raised their voice in offering opinions too often.

For people who have been following the story since it broke, you will have noticed that the management of Infosys including the legendary N.Narayanmurthy have come way to often on TV shows offering their opinions. The amount of air time they gained on the basis of  the Satyam scam far exeeds any other team from an IT firm. The head of HR from Infosys, CEO & MD and others have devoted 15min-30min slots in prime time news stating ‘ what needs to be done’, ‘ What should the investors look forward to’, ‘ How does this effect corporate india, while also stating ‘ We won’t acquring Satyam’ and ‘ We don’t want to hire Satyam employees thereby stripping the company (Satyam) of valuable talent’. Nobel thoughts, i agree.

I have no problems with what all of the esteemed leaders in Infosys have said on TV, it is the frequency that i am complaining about. What is the big need for them to step into studios of TV channels so often and talk at length on specific issues on Satyam when their fellow peers like Mr. Azim Premji, Shiv Nadir etc have not issued any formal opinions.  Why is it that only Infosys management shows up daily on TV? What is point?

Today, Infosys declared a fantastic 3rd quarter results. They are proud of it and i am happy that Infosys represents the highest standards of performance and like they say, even Corporate Governance. However, what was the point in bringing Satyam’s issue as part of discussing 3rd quarter result?

My point is, when management teams from TCS,Cognizant,HCL etc have stayed away from the press, why is just one company making all their key leaders available for the press to ask questions? 

I think Infosys management should respect the relative restrain that other management teams are showcasing and let Satyam mend its way out of this mess. Clearly, Infosys is not offering any solution!

Let SEBI,RoC,Government machinery and banks sort out the problem. The last thing Satyam needs is free management lessons on corporate governance.