Prof Dheeraj Sharma: Academic Excellence and Transformational Leadership at IIM Rohtak

Prof Dheeraj Sharma, Director of the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak (IIM Rohtak), stands at the forefront of academic leadership in India. With an exceptional record in management research, public policy engagement, and institution-building, Prof Sharma represents a new generation of academic leaders who bring together intellectual depth and visionary execution.

Prof Dheeraj Sharma, Director of IIM Rohtak

Whether it's his scholarly contributions, institutional leadership, or commitment to nation-building, Prof Sharma’s work is both academically rigorous and socially impactful.

Leadership at IIM Rohtak: Building a Modern Institution

Since taking charge as Director of IIM Rohtak, Prof Dheeraj Sharma has transformed the institution into one of the most dynamic and inclusive management schools in India.

Key Achievements Under His Tenure:

• Largest student body among all IIMs (1500+ students)

• 70% female representation in MBA batches for three consecutive years

• Top rankings:

  • 12th place in NIRF India Rankings (Management Category)

  • 151+ global QS World University Ranking (2024)

• International accreditation for flagship programs (PGP) by AMBA

These accomplishments are not just numerical—they reflect Prof Sharma’s holistic vision of higher education, one rooted in diversity, research, and global relevance.

Prof Dheeraj Sharma: A Distinguished Scholar

Prof Sharma’s research portfolio spans over 150 academic papers and 10 books, with publications in FT-50 journals, the gold standard for business and management scholarship.

Core Research Areas:

• Marketing strategy and consumer behavior

• Organizational culture and ethics

• Public policy and communication analysis

• Cross-cultural studies and national branding

He has established himself as a thought leader by bridging gaps between management theory and practical policy application.

Notable Research Contributions

Here are some selected highlights of Prof Sharma’s impactful academic work:

• Cultural Factors in Consumer Behavior: Explored how consumers from countries like the US, Thailand, and Kenya respond to deals, based on cultural dimensions.

• Digital Trust in Matrimonial Platforms: Evaluated how emotional appeal and financial models shape user trust in online matrimonial services.

• Rigor vs Relevance in Marketing Research: Addressed the growing disconnect between academic rigor and real-world application in marketing, offering actionable frameworks.

These works are widely cited and have contributed significantly to both academic discourse and managerial practice.

Championing Policy Research and Governance

One of Prof Sharma’s unique strengths is his ability to lead research that influences national policy and governance.

Noteworthy Government-Focused Projects:

• Impact Assessment of “Mann Ki Baat” for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

• Expectancy Mapping for the Army and Central Armed Police Forces

• Crop Residue Management projects in collaboration with the Ministries of Agriculture and Commerce

These consultancy projects go beyond typical academic exercises—they shape policy decisions, inform implementation strategies, and strengthen public institutions.

Fostering a Research Ecosystem at IIM Rohtak

Research output at IIM Rohtak has grown significantly under Prof Sharma’s leadership. In 2023–24, the institute recorded the publication of 88 research papers by faculty and doctoral students—a record for the institution.

He has fostered a culture of research that’s not only productive but also purpose-driven, encouraging scholars to address real-world issues and contribute to India’s development goals.

Vision for the Future: Academia with Purpose

At the heart of Prof Dheeraj Sharma’s philosophy is a deep commitment to value-based education. He consistently emphasizes:

• Social service and community engagement

• Integration of physical well-being and mental fitness (e.g., Yoga in the curriculum)

• Preparing students for future technologies like AI, machine learning, and data science

• Building ethical, resilient leaders who value long-term impact over short-term gain

In his own words, education is not merely a tool for employment—it is a force for social upliftment, national progress, and individual fulfillment.

Final Reflections: Why Prof Dheeraj Sharma Matters

In a time when higher education faces unprecedented challenges, Prof Dheeraj Sharma is a shining example of leadership rooted in scholarship, ethics, and innovation. His contributions to academia, policy, and institutional development offer a roadmap for how educational institutions can serve society while achieving global excellence.

His story is not just about one individual—it’s about the possibility of using education to create meaningful, measurable, and lasting change.