As Akshay Kumar opens up about politics within the film industry, we list common challenges professionals face in competitive environments

Akshay Kumar has recently stirred the industry by openly acknowledging the existence of infighting within the Hindi film fraternity.

In a conversation with Baradwaj Rangan on Galatta Plus, the actor not only confirmed the presence of internal conflicts but also claimed to know the identities of those spreading false rumours about his work ethic. He said, “I don’t want to get into the details of who started this, because it starts from somewhere. It starts with somebody who doesn’t like you. That’s how it starts, they pick one or two things… Now remember what they used to say earlier? They used to say, ‘Akshay’s films don’t take long; he comes on time and leaves on time’. I used to do 17 films at a time, and they used to be released within eight months; that’s how efficient I was considered… But now, when films don’t work, they say that I don’t devote enough time.”

He continued, “People love seeing when my films don’t work. People love seeing it, they’re happy. I’ve seen it myself…” 

Kumar also highlighted that just like any other industry, there is politics within the film industry as well. “I would like to give this advice to people. Don’t put others down. I see it in politics, I see it in my industry. Ek hero dusre hero ko gaali deta hai, director usko gaali deta hai, producer uss hero ko gaali deta hai (everybody is calling each other names). I just fail to understand why you all are abusing each other. There is so much energy that is just going to waste (sic).”

This disclosure sheds light on the often-hidden dynamics of competition and rivalry not just in Bollywood, but also in general work environments. In such situations, it becomes important to strike the delicate balance between maintaining one’s principles and navigating complex politics. 

Gurleen Baruah, occupational psychologist and executive coach at That Culture Thing, says, “Maintaining work ethic and integrity in competitive environments is a significant challenge for many professionals. While it’s important to acknowledge that not all competitive environments are inherently unethical or unfair, certain dynamics can create pressures that make it harder to uphold personal values.”

Common challenges professionals face in maintaining their work ethic and integrity in competitive environments

Here are some common challenges and strategies to navigate them, as described by Baruah:

Pressure to fit in: In competitive places, there’s often a lot of pressure to do what everyone else is doing, even if it’s not right. People might feel they need to flatter the boss or do favours to get ahead. To handle this, remember why you started this job and what your core values are. Keep the bigger picture in mind and think about the long-term impact of your actions. 

Survival of the fittest mentality: The competitive nature of certain environments can lead to a “survival of the fittest” mentality, where individuals feel they must do whatever it takes to succeed, even if it means compromising their integrity. To counteract this, professionals should focus on building a strong sense of self-awareness and self-respect. Recognise that true success is not just about reaching the top, but doing so in a way that aligns with your values and ethics.

External pressures, such as financial incentives, recognition, or fear of losing one’s job, can tempt individuals to act unethically. (Source: Freepik)

Systemic reinforcement of unethical behaviour: When the system itself rewards unethical behaviour, it can be challenging to stay true to your principles. In such cases, it’s important to find like-minded colleagues who share your values and can provide support and accountability. Building a network of ethical allies can help reinforce your commitment to integrity.

Balancing ambition and integrity: Ambition can push people to cut corners. To balance this, set clear and ethical goals. Check regularly to make sure your actions match your values. Remember, it’s not just about getting to the top, but how you get there. Focus on long-term success that aligns with your integrity, rather than short-term gains that compromise your principles. 

Handling external pressures and temptations: External pressures, such as financial incentives, recognition, or fear of losing one’s job, can tempt individuals to act unethically. Professionals can navigate these challenges by focusing on internal motivations rather than external rewards. 

How can managers foster a culture of integrity and professionalism within their teams?

From a leadership perspective, Baruah says, fostering a culture of “integrity and professionalism within teams begins with clearly communicating the mission and values of the organisation.” Here are key strategies for managers:

Communicate the mission: Start by clearly articulating the organisation’s mission and how each team member contributes to achieving it. Aligning everyone towards a common goal fosters unity and cooperation.

Model right behaviour: Lead by example. Demonstrate the behaviours and attitudes you want to see in your team. Whether it’s respect, collaboration, or ethical decision-making, your actions set the tone for others to follow.

Address biases and promote awareness: Be self-aware of your own biases and encourage others to do the same. Bias can lead to unfair treatment and hinder team cohesion. By addressing biases openly and promoting awareness, you create a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

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