I have stayed within the organisational/personal development world ever since. Co-authored the book ‘The Learning Organization in Public Services’ sixteen years ago.
Whilst nothing in the world is so simple [or is it?], the philosophy of managers and owners can be either that the organisation is a machine, or a living organism.
The latter is an optimistic, people-centred view of the world. There is less emphasis on power, control and hierarchy. Creativity is valued. In some progressive organisations there is a tendency towards pay equalisation and shared decision-making.
Top management who see the organisation as a machine? Do I need to say it?
In truth this has always been so. Writers, visionaries and well-meaning ‘change agents’ [myself included] have attempted over the last hundred years to change the dominant view. With limited success.
Now the gloves are off. It is there for all to see. Doubt it? Well go here for starters:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25034598
This is no isolated case. Screws are being tightened everywhere. The 'reserve army of unemployed' now ensures most workers toe the line. Competition may be tougher, but only for those who are not part of the cartels in energy, banking, food, pharmaceuticals, health and ‘security.’
Giant corporations pay no tax and dictate government policy all around the globe. They couldn’t give a **** for SME’s [Small & Medium Enterprises], who get crumbs off the table, and yes, can do quite well. And nor can [again] governments who praise SME’s to the roof, and stand aside while their masters destroy them:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/banksandfinance/10477204/RBS-faces-criminal-probe-of-small-business-allegations.html
The New World Order doesn’t want or need committed and creative workers. Workers are disposable. There is always someone to jump in when one drops dead. The corporations won’t need innovation. Power and control are all that is required. Treat people like s***.
We have been fed lies for centuries. Yes, there have been exceptions to all this. But to ‘maintain humanity under 500,000,000 in perpetual balance with nature’ needs a ‘cull’ of 6.5 billion of us. [1]
Mechanisation, a totally cowed workforce and trans-humanism trump progressive personnel polices every time.
I have many friends who are doing wonderful work in turning top managers around, making the mantra ‘people are our greatest asset’ meaningful.
However, ignorance of the bigger picture, and the forces that sustain oppression might explain why the stone keeps rolling back down the hill.
Depressing? Totally. Yet there is a solution.
Help those ‘at the bottom’ to wake up. Teach them about the bigger picture. Stop helping managers becoming even more skilled at the dark arts of manipulation.
Realise that those who want the perpetuation of a system based on the machine mind-set are conning you.
Use your talents to help create a world based on values of truth, love, joy and peace. Do something different. Let your spirit fly.
Jack Stewart.
[1] go here for proof of this. And the picture above is taken from their web site. And if you believe they subscribe to this- ‘prize truth - beauty - love- seeking harmony with the infinite’ then you are beyond help:
http://www.thegeorgiaguidestones.com/Message.htm