Why Do We Value Certifications Over Real-World Experience in India? Let's Discuss!

Dear all, On one of the WA groups of HRs, the Administrator of the group, Mr. Rajaram Thorve, has raised the above topic for discussion. I have provided replies to the questions, which are as follows:

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Dear Mr. Rajaram Thorve,

My reply is as follows:

1. Let us first understand the meaning of the word certification. Certification is nothing but validation of the level of knowledge that the student has acquired. To acquire a certification, one has to complete an educational course. Knowledge acquired through the educational course provides a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world.

2. In the educational course, a theory is taught. These theories are not developed in a vacuum. Researchers go to the field, gather data, and later conduct analysis. This analysis helps them in developing theory. This theory is nothing but a tentative insight into the natural world. The student may not get a chance to verify the concept, but it helps in understanding an unknown world. Theoretical knowledge helps in avoiding the repetition of mistakes committed in the past. The benefit of learning theory is that one does not have to learn through trial and error.

3. Nevertheless, just acquiring certification or learning theory is not sufficient. The knowledge gained has to be applied as well.

4. Though the question does not ask directly, indirectly it asks whether we should hire "experienced" persons or "qualified" ones? But then in a country like India, experience is a euphemism for the length of one's career span. After acquiring knowledge, when one applies it, there are successes and failures. Therefore, the ability to distinguish between what could succeed or fail should be called experience. But then Indians have a different belief altogether!

5. Notwithstanding what is written above, education gives an edge over non-education. Consider the following examples:

a) A person who has studied Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument will certainly handle workplace conflict in a better way than one who does not know this model.

b) A Purchase Manager who does not have a degree in Supply Chain Management (SCM) will never understand the concept of material movement across the chain. He will never understand various costs associated with the business. Rather, he will concentrate on just squeezing his suppliers while buying material from them.

c) Who are better suited to work in the R&D department? Do we employ workers because they have worked a long time on some machine or Engineers?

d) Humanity has been using horse-carts or bullock-carts since time immemorial. But then why did humanity wait until the nineteenth century to invent the motor car? Why was it not done earlier despite having thousands of years of experience riding on horse-carts or bullock-carts?

e) Humans learned to do agricultural activities about 10,000 years ago, but the tractor was developed in the 20th century. Why did it take almost 12,000 years to develop the tractor? Where was the experience of thousands of years?

f) In India, a section of society claims that doing business is in their DNA. In that case, India should have many companies in the Fortune-500 list. But then how many companies do you find in this list? Just seven! Why this contradiction, though business is in their DNA?

Final comments: The US economy grew phenomenally because US entrepreneurs attracted educated youths from all over the world. These entrepreneurs used outsiders' education and talent to give something new to the world. They always accrued benefits from investing in talent. In contrast, Indian businesspersons never utilized domestic talent. India is paying a hefty price for this false belief in the concept of "experience".

Thanks,

Dinesh Divekar

Verification of Knowledge and Skills

The verification of knowledge and skills acquired through experience is a cumbersome process, whereas certain presumptions can be easily drawn based on educational qualifications. There is always a distinction made between degree holders and diploma holders. With experience, diploma holders may gain sound technical knowledge, but the comprehensive systematic knowledge and all-around capability that a degree holder acquires are still unmatched. Thus, the preference for the degree holder is explained.

The Importance of Theoretical Knowledge and Experience

When a person completes a degree or higher through thorough study and independent testing of knowledge via exams, they acquire a strong theoretical basis and understanding of the subject. With theory, when they work, they gain experience. The degree hopefully guides the person to gain the right experience and develop correct working habits, procedures, and steps based on understanding. Experience, on the other hand, is gained through practical work on the ground, with or without a theoretical backing. Having a good supervisor who guides you well can enrich your experience and make you proficient in this vocation. However, a disadvantage arises when your practical work is not based on full knowledge and correct practices. In such cases, your experience may hinder your development and growth.

Pros of Experience

Experiences enable individuals to apply their knowledge rather than just possessing it. Experiences help in developing skills such as communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills, which have a limited scope within a degree.

Cons of Experience

Experience is acquired over years of working, but sometimes a person without a degree may perform the work without a full understanding of the entire system and may encounter challenges if something beyond their experience arises.

In summary, this debate is endless and highly dependent on the job and the specific candidate.

Dear colleagues,

The belief that experience holds more value than certification is a misconception perpetuated by our current educational system in India. When learners are provided with opportunities for experiential learning, where they can gain insights by applying the principles and laws of nature through simulation methods repeatedly, their learning becomes solid as a rock. As a result, the debate on whether experience outweighs certification will naturally diminish.

Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant

Practical vs. Theoretical Learning: A Discussion

Just a few days ago, we had a discussion on the topic of ladies learning to drive two-wheelers. The topic came up when we read in the newspaper about a vehicle skidding, driven by a lady on the main road, resulting in her death. What I mean to say here is that simply learning to drive and then heading straight onto the road without understanding safety and the environment will sometimes result in accidents like the one mentioned above. In this case, practical knowledge was there, but there was a lack of theoretical aspects.

In a second incident, I found a young college-going engineering student repairing her scooter by the side of the road as her scooter had broken down midway to her destination. I inquired to help her, but she said, "Thank you, uncle. I am studying engineering in automobiles, and the problem is solved; I am just repairing it." I was happy to see how her in-depth knowledge gave her the confidence and courage to diagnose and repair her bike without much trouble. She is a certified engineer today.

The Importance of Theoretical and Conceptual Learning

Theoretical and conceptual learning is important, and hence certification. Learning, however, is never a waste, and authentic learning is like a gem in the crown.

Why is less importance given to knowledge and skills gained through experience than knowledge and skills acquired through certification?

The knowledge and skills acquired through certification are often considered superior to those gained through experience. Certification involves comprehensive learning, and a certificate is awarded after the learner completes a test. In contrast, knowledge and skills gained through experience are limited to exposure only and may lack completeness. One cannot become an engineer, doctor, lawyer, chartered accountant, or a professional in any other field solely through experience.