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Feb 4, 2010
BIG SHIFT IN PRODUCTIVITY
Do we have what it takes?
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I APPLAUD the recommendations of the Economic Strategies Committee spelt out in Tuesday's report, 'The big shift'. The committee is realistic about our size constraints but bold and appealing.
I am gratified that this will be the rising tide that lifts all boats. Clearly, a policy of working ever harder and tighter cost control is unsustainable in the long term.
However, a vital ingredient may still be missing. As a people, we do not possess the DNA for lifelong learning, innovation and professional pride necessary to propel ourselves to the next level.
Businesses may be making tentative inroads into the regional and global stage, but they still seem content with piecemeal, quick fixes of the silver bullet variety in reaction to immediate setbacks. An overarching and sustained strategy for improvement is usually lacking. The productivity movement of the 80s appears to have been well forgotten.
Employees are hardworking and obedient, but are generally apathetic on matters of productivity and quality improvements.
Many see their jobs as a means of earning a living, not as a source of professional and personal pride.
Although employees are often aware of inefficiencies in our work processes, they prefer to stick with the 'don't rock the boat attitude' and let the boss take the lead in making improvements.
Students work hard too, but they view education only as a means to scoring academically and landing a good job. Studying is not about a lifelong journey of self-discovery, and the means to fulfil obligations beyond themselves and their immediate family.
Many students celebrate upon graduation, not because they are now able to contribute to society, but because they can leave their textbooks behind.
While we ponder over whether the desired DNA can be cultivated, history seems to favour older nations such as the United States in business, technology and marketing innovation, and Germany and Japan in engineering excellence. Their citizens seem to possess a remarkable level of self-awareness of their rich history, strengths and weaknesses, and a confidence that their future is in their own hands, notwithstanding their current difficulties.
Time and again, they have reinvented themselves and have bounced back from their setbacks.
Will we ever cultivate this vital DNA? My guess is that the journey will be difficult, but worth our effort.
The Government has made the first move. Are we ready to step up to the plate?
Han Tau Kwang
BIG SHIFT IN PRODUCTIVITY
Do we have what it takes?
<!-- by line --><!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar --><!-- story content : start -->
I APPLAUD the recommendations of the Economic Strategies Committee spelt out in Tuesday's report, 'The big shift'. The committee is realistic about our size constraints but bold and appealing.
I am gratified that this will be the rising tide that lifts all boats. Clearly, a policy of working ever harder and tighter cost control is unsustainable in the long term.
However, a vital ingredient may still be missing. As a people, we do not possess the DNA for lifelong learning, innovation and professional pride necessary to propel ourselves to the next level.
Businesses may be making tentative inroads into the regional and global stage, but they still seem content with piecemeal, quick fixes of the silver bullet variety in reaction to immediate setbacks. An overarching and sustained strategy for improvement is usually lacking. The productivity movement of the 80s appears to have been well forgotten.
Employees are hardworking and obedient, but are generally apathetic on matters of productivity and quality improvements.
Many see their jobs as a means of earning a living, not as a source of professional and personal pride.
Although employees are often aware of inefficiencies in our work processes, they prefer to stick with the 'don't rock the boat attitude' and let the boss take the lead in making improvements.
Students work hard too, but they view education only as a means to scoring academically and landing a good job. Studying is not about a lifelong journey of self-discovery, and the means to fulfil obligations beyond themselves and their immediate family.
Many students celebrate upon graduation, not because they are now able to contribute to society, but because they can leave their textbooks behind.
While we ponder over whether the desired DNA can be cultivated, history seems to favour older nations such as the United States in business, technology and marketing innovation, and Germany and Japan in engineering excellence. Their citizens seem to possess a remarkable level of self-awareness of their rich history, strengths and weaknesses, and a confidence that their future is in their own hands, notwithstanding their current difficulties.
Time and again, they have reinvented themselves and have bounced back from their setbacks.
Will we ever cultivate this vital DNA? My guess is that the journey will be difficult, but worth our effort.
The Government has made the first move. Are we ready to step up to the plate?
Han Tau Kwang
