Indian parents are committed to guiding their children: LinkedIn Study

Advise and encourage, without being over involved are key traits of this new parenting style

Indian parents play a key role in shaping the career paths of their children, according to a global study released by LinkedIn, the world’s largest online professional network. The study revealed that, 82% parents are involved in deciding their child’s career, this is the strongest after completion of the child’s education. India is amongst the top three countries following this trend, globally, with Brazil highest at 92%, followed by China at 87%. Indian parents continue to be involved in their child’s careers even after their education, 84% Indian parents stated that they were aware of what their child does on a day to day basis at the workplace. This is higher than the global average (77%).

The professionals surveyed stated that their parents have given them about the right amount of career advice (44%). Forty-four percent younger professionals (aged 18-34) wanted parental guidance on which subjects to take up at the university. This trend continued even in their careers, with the same group seeking guidance on how to deal with workplace issues.

Our study shows that Indian parents are committed to guiding their children in their professional journey without overstepping boundaries and becoming over involved. One in two professionals stated that their parents stopped giving advice at the right time. Giving the right amount of advice, knowing when to step back, stopping at the right time all indicate that a sufficiently large number of Indian parents do demonstrate lighthouse behavior.  This is further borne out by the fact that 37% of the professionals surveyed endorsed this by describing their parents as “Lighthouse Parents”*, which is higher than the global average of (29%).

“Contrary to the popular belief that Indian parents are over involved (Helicopter Parents**), this study shows that a significant number of Indian parents also follow the ‘Lighthouse Parenting’ style and that professionals acknowledge this,” said Deepa Sapatnekar, Head of Communications, LinkedIn India and Hong Kong.

LinkedIn has for the last three years celebrated this parent child linkage in the workplace through an annual  LinkedIn Bring in Your Parents Day. This year once again on November 5, professional around the globe will invite their parents into the workplace and give them an opportunity to share their professional life.

“We found that 41% of professionals speak to their parents during work hours more than once a week to update them on their work-life. With Bring in Your Parents Day, we wish to celebrate the role parents play in their child’s professional journey,” added Deepa.

LinkedIn Bring in Your Parents Day will be held in 17 countries including the United Kingdom, United States, France, The Netherlands, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Australia, India, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, China, Japan and Hong Kong , and encourages businesses and individuals worldwide to take part in the day. 25,000 people took part in 2014 and this year companies including Samsung and Doro are already signed up to take part.  Whether you’re a parent, an employee, or a business, you can find out how to take part by visiting

bringinyourparents.linkedin.com. Join conversations on Twitter with #LinkedIn #BIYP. For more information on the study you can also read the blog post titled, “Bring in Your Parents Day 2015: The Year of the Lighthouse Parent”, by Pat Wadors.