We learn about change, we talk about change, yet we remain the same and continue to do the same things. "How come?" We know, we insist, it cannot be business as usual....but we do nothing. According to John Kotter (1995) the first step is to create a sense of urgency.
When something is important to us, we seek change. When our unions fight for principle, we reject the notion if it does not impact us personally. Our education system needs an overhaul, so too does the physical infrastructure of the country. Every year we suffer from drought during the dry season and fail to clean drains and properly prepare during hurricane season. People still insist on constructing concrete structures in flood prone areas, and as citizens we allow ourselves to be taken advantage of by politicians on both sides.
The more times change the more they seem to remain the same. Columnist Dr Barbara Gloudon sums up latest events for us http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/The-elephant-that-squeaked_9021326 So how do we create this urgency in a company or country that loves talk and little action?
Consider Jamaica as an organization calling you the OD consultant for help. How would you make your diagnosis and what would be your recommendations for change?
The focus for change needs to be placed on the primary and secondary agents of socialization: the family, the church and school. These three institutions are responsible for socializing individuals and any change must be channeled through them.
ReplyDeleteWe need to enforce the mandatory attendance of school for all children, social workers and teachers should play a role in reporting those who are non-compliant.
The church needs to play a greater role in being the glue that binds communities together.
Families need to ensure that children are socialized such that they don not become misfits in society.
Change needs to come from within and for too long we have been echoing the same things that we need a change. But can change come about just like that? What is the process?
ReplyDeleteThe lack of socialization and approach to the delicate situation has eroded our country’s development and growth.
Why the resistance to change? These are some of the questions asked by many. Fear of the unknown, things is fine the way they are or the popular Jamaican proverb “can’t swap monkey fi black dog”.
Change is a constant process it doesn’t happen overnight and our main problem is psychological we are fearful of the unknown and we see it manifesting itself in the Workplace, Schools, Churches and the wider Society.
What’s the resolution? In my opinion it beings from the home, parents should expose their children to different options let them be aware of the fact that there are different ways of doing things yet getting the same results.
Also the Church needs to highlight the fact that change is good and that it comes from within and once this has been established it will automatically filter in to the wider society.
It should be noted that Society is no way different form the Organization they are both governed by someone and there will always be a need to change the way thins are done but that too is dependent on how this is done.
So socialization plays a vital role in change and it is up to us to effect that change action time no more talking.
DWIGHT ATKINSTALL
As Jamaicans, we have become accustomed to “talking the talk” but not “walking the talk”. And we often conclude that it is simply a matter of culture requiring parents, churches and society at large to take matters into hand and change. However before we can really recommend a solution, we need to confirm what is driving our fear of change, what is the underlying root cause?
ReplyDeleteAccording to Cummings & Worley (2009), “When done well, diagnosis clearly points the organization and the OD Practitioner toward a set of appropriate intervention activities that will improve organization effectiveness.” Applying this concept to Jamaica, as an organization, it is important for a proper diagnosis to take place to identify the underlying cause of the problem and then to take appropriate steps to address weaknesses identified.
As the OD Consultant, I would use interviews & questionnaires with a randomly selected diverse group to ascertain Jamaicans’ thinking. Thereafter, I would try to present my findings with governmental authorities so that a collaborative solution can be arrived at and a systematic plan of action would follow.
For sustainable change to occur society in general must first acknowledge the need to change and be willing to be a part of the solution, not the problem. A large number of civil society and community-based organisations, in tandem with government agencies, have been established to effect change in various ‘quarters’ of our society. In all fairness, they have attained a measure of success but not the magnitude that they and other concerned Jamaicans expect.
ReplyDeleteI believe it comes down to our mindset; the issues raised in the initial post have been around for so long that many view them as societal norms and see agents of change as abnormal if they attempt to disrupt the status quo. For any attempt at change to really work there has to be buy-in ‘across the board.’ The majority (including govt. officials) must be convinced of the need to change and provide tangible proof of their commitment to the change process.
I’m certain Jamaica is not the only country with these problems. A study of our Caribbean neighbours for starters may yield a collection of best practices that, with some tweaking, could be implemented and may actually help us to begin addressing the issues. Understanding the dynamics that result in these issues is key to finding the solutions. Cummings & Worley (2008) in discussing one approach to ‘Diagnosing Organisational Sytems’ state that “the key to effective diagnosis is knowing what to look for at each level as well as how the levels affect each other.” I think we have a pretty decent idea of exactly what to look for; a better understanding and acceptance of how ‘the levels affect each other ie. Government officials, the business sector, religion etc. would go a far way in assisting us with designing the kind of intervention needed to address the issues.
Peter Boothe
As Jamaican it is difficult to promote change in a society where change in some influential quarters in society is consider taboo as they may lose some power as the change may involve giving up some autonomy.
ReplyDeleteAs a consultant to truly impact major change within society it should be shouldered on those individuals who are seen as in position in power, authority and are highly regarded based on their status both academically and socially. Identifying them and even more importantly convincing them of the benefits to derive from embracing change.
It is by changing the mindset of the figure heads in society can any true change can be made by the masses of everyday people, if they truly see a positive effort being made for change then they would be more respective to changing the area with which they live. These changes can stem from greater sponsorship in community and social events that not just only segment few can attend but the family unit as a whole or even community projects who themselves are a part of.
I believe that this would not only help to grow the country but show Jamaica in the global society as a force positive change within the Caribbean.
Lincoln Taylor
Change is a normal part of life. Some people are satisfied with how things are and others want a change. How people are socialized has an effect on whether they want a change or not.
ReplyDeletePeople come from different backgrouds and operate or live in varied environments. Also, experiences in life whether personally or otherwise impact on whether or not people really want to change. Consideration must be given to these and other factors in gathering information. Some persons are comfortable with how things are because of some direct or indirect benefit. There are different categories of persons and institutions that influence behaviour so information would be obtained from these areas by interviews, surveys or perhaps observations.
For change to be effected, there needs to be sustained efforts from the drivers of change. I consider drivers of change to be for example, positive role models, proper use of technology and financial resources.
Howard Pusey
Jamaicans are known for talking with little or no action behind it. This is evidence by our reaction during each election year. We continually vote for politicians who through the years do little to nothing but during an election year they hurry and scurry about to get things done in an effort to secure our votes. Rest assured they will receive it as we are easily persuaded as a people. We quickly forget the past years of inactivity and ill-treatment as a result current promises and gifts received.
ReplyDeleteIn order for us to change this continual cycle it will first start with doing a complete overall of our culture and our mental bondage. This will be possible through socialization and a redefining of ourselves. We have to initially want to change and realize that it will start with the individual in order for it to be achieved. Like Bob Marley says in his song, “Emancipate.” We as a people need to free ourselves from our mental slavery and it is we alone who can free our minds. Therefore it will require all of us; the government, the religious leaders, the private sector leaders, the human rights groups among others to come together and work at changing our culture.
A step by step method that is recommended for Jamaicans to change includes: identifying the underlying cause through research and data collection. Once the information has been gathered and analyzed and the root cause identified then various change interventions should be applied. According to Cummings & Worley (2008) organization development (OD) intervention provides a series of activities, actions and events that are aimed at assisting in the improvement of performance or organization effectiveness. Also OD interventions deliberately interrupt the status quo. This therefore means that it is applicable in changing the culture of a country. Similar to the practice of creating or designing OD interventions, it will require the combined forces of OD experts as well as the involvement of Jamaicans in order for the change to be effective.
Paula Johnson
There is nothing more true than the statement "change is constant", but do Jamaican's really want to change. For example we build concrete structure in flood prone areas even though we know the risks involved. On a nightly program on TVJ "living on the edge" which highlights persons living in high risk areas prone to flooding, each night all the persons interviewed acknowledges that the know of the risk. Yet the continue to live there telling themselves that they have no other choice. The government should be blamed because they should have stopped these constructions once tney started but they failed to do so.
ReplyDeleteOD is concerned with managing planned change, it avoids the usual "quick fix" approach and focuses on the total system.
If I was the OD consultant to Jamaica I would:
1) Gain top management support, and by that the Government, Opposition and keystakeholders from the various industry as well as the private sector would be engaged to become apart of the process.
2) OD is tied to the bottomline, therefore as the Consultant I would have to show each representative how it is going to benefit them. For example show the private sector how an improved education system would lead to better calibre of persons joining the workforce, thus increasing productivity.
3) Surveys would have to be done on the wider society to engage them in the process of change and to solicit their input. This would assist in making a diagnosis of the problems.
4) Planned interventions would be suggested in order to make systemwide changes throughout the country.
In order for this to be effective a major education drive would have to be launched encouraging persons to be adaptable to change, take on a fresh perspective and focus on the opportunity. After all as Jamaicans we should want the best for our country and its people.
Change is very difficult to achieve and maintain because it starts with self (the individual), which then is translated to the group (government) and then the organization (country). It requires:
ReplyDeleteAwareness – recognition that there is a problem or need for improvement
Honesty – recognition and acceptance that the problem/need is with one’s self – first and foremost
Courage – to want to change (for the good of all concerned)
Risk – that the decision taken may be unpopular with some; fear of rejection or being ostracized (or even losing an election or some public office)
Determination – to stick it out nevertheless
Diagnostic Methodologies to be employed
- Identify cross-section of population to be surveyed – different income levels, different social backgrounds, different education levels, ‘supposed’ role models, politicians/leaders
- Conduct surveys/questionnaires re areas of change required and suggestions on nature of change to be implemented (non-partisan)
Recommendations for Change
- increase/improve social awareness – relevant programmes in schools, churches, communities
- reinstitute/revitalize basic learning programmes – adult literacy
- inculcate and maintain basic discipline of self and fellowman – proper waste disposal, home, school, street and community cleanliness, proper road usage – pedestrians and motorists
- constant communication/public relations/advertisements re the need for change and a better way of life starting with basic change models starting in the home
- job creation with the main view of self-sufficiency – eliminate the hand-out mentality
- elevate the thinking out of the slum even if physical relocation is not practical – unshackle the mental slavery
- re-brand the motto: OUT OF MANY ONE EQUAL PEOPLE
What is change? How vital is it to the Jamaican society and economy? Do we need a change and in what areas should these changes be conducted?
ReplyDeleteThese are a few questions we need to ask ourselves before we can think of what to change and to what extent should these changes be made.
In identifying the need for a change we need to try and identify the problem or the cause thereof. The decision for a change should be executed from the top, so too the implementation process.
In assessing the areas of change we can look at the education system. Obtaining and utilizing the benefits that are derived from having a good education is priceless. How many of our children are interested in obtaining a good education? How many of our young men and women see the importance of having an education? Is fad or style more important than having a strong or good pair of shoes and a clean uniform.
We have to understand that if we need a change within the Jamaican economy we have to depend or focus on the younger generation. Whose main focus is "Gully" or "Gaza", "Tight pants" or "No pocket", "Bleach out face" and " The best swag".
How do we get into the minds of these students to instill the change that will benefit Jamaica? We can achieve this through mentoring, counseling and continued motivational speaking.
If Jamaica can obtain a society that is 80% educated and willing to work to achieve one common goal, then we will be well on our way. If we can obtain higher passes in the CXC and CSEC exams, and more enrollment in the HEART skill training program, our country would be more rounded.
The government has introduced programs to assist families who cannot afford to provide breakfast or lunch for their children, all done with the aim to increase enrollment within our schools. But how many inner city children utilize this opportunity? How many have to assist their parents to provide for the family and have to miss two or three days from school?
Getting a change is possible,with increased opportunity in small businesses,sensitivity programs for families outlining the importance of obtaining an educational and the monetary contribution it will have on the family positively.
Positive change is good, especially when it benefits a large section. The children are our future; we need to invest.
Change is the modification of those forces keeping a system's behavior stable (Cummings & Worley, 2008).
ReplyDeleteIn Jamaica's case, the force that is maintaining the status quo is culture. Parents teach their children certain ways of life. For example, how to conduct one's self at a particular time and how to respond to certain issues.
However, humans beings are one of those creatures that live what they learn during early childhod. As a result,these behaviours become psychological engraved and are employed during adulthood regardless of the differences in our
present environment. Therfore, these adults will act inappropriately in their new ever changing environment and in doing so may be seen as outlaws, irresponsible or naive.
My recommendation for change? My recommendation for change is a reduction in the magnitude of the cultural force that is maintaining the status quo as this will produce less resistance than increasing the force pushing for the change(Cummings & Worley, 2008).
Jahfari Parsons
The level of change adaptation or the lack thereof, the level of resistance to change or the lack thereof is determined by the culture of the organization, community and even country. Some groups only change when they have no choice, when their backs are against the wall, or only when change is in their best interest. Some groups are dominated by diagnostics experts, and persons who can talk the solutions, but cannot implement the necessary strategies to solve their own problem. Is it that they don’t have the will, expertise or persuasive skills to sell the change idea? That is why many managers and leaders get set aside and are made to report to foreigners, who come and do what the said managers and leaders can only talk about. I believe Jamaica is one such place.
ReplyDeleteSo we need to transform the organization from just a diagnostics culture only to a diagnostics, solution identification and implementation culture. Before the consultant can change the company culture, they have to decide what you want the company culture to be, this has to be in collaboration with the organization leaders. The consultant cannot impose a culture on the organization without the buy in of the company. Different companies in different industries and countries will have different cultures therefore the consultant should look at what kind of a culture will work best for the organization in its desired future state. Review your vision and values and make sure the company culture you are designing supports them.
ReplyDeleteJamaica has changed a lot over the past years. We live in a society where children are killing children and people are always looking for someone to blame for their problems. What if we just for once, look into ourselves and think of a way to make ourselves better. What a different place Jamaica would be.
ReplyDeleteAs an OD consultant I would want to have a discussion with the Minister of education to see how best I could be involved in educating our people of Jamaica. Not only in schools, but also in communities and if necessary, in homes.
For us to change as a country we need to look in the mirror and ask ourselves "How can I make myself and my family better".
"Christopher Morris"
On a daily basis I look around and I see the indiscipline on the roads, in the offices and in our children and it has become a worrisome issue for most.
ReplyDeleteHow can we get back a society where persons are generally courteous on the roads, children show respect and humility in the presence of an adult and in the offices honesty is the hallmark of operations.
why have we become like we are and when did it start? All questions I think a consultant would need to have answered in order to create an intervention that will address these issues.
In conducting my diagnosis I would need to conduct interviews with sample of persons who drives,parents and children. Issue questionnaires in the offices and conduct a series of observations.
As a result my recommendation would be to educate, educate and educate. Conduct pro grammes in schools to address the insolence issues in or children, do presentations at meetings such as PTAs to inform or remind the parents that the responsibility is theirs to ensure that good values are instilled in their children the schools/teachers should be allowed to reinforce the values.
The dishonesty that exit in the organization can be as a result of persons financially challenged or just out of greed. Programs that educate members on how to budget and manage their money could be employed. this can also be done through the media in an effort to reach the wider populations. More stringent laws should be put in place and be enforced that will to address the dishonesty in the companies that will deter the dishonesty from taking place.
Changing Jamaican is the responsibility of each Jamaicans and must start at the individual level. According to James Baldwin (1924-1987 "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced."
I'm in agreement with Angella Boothe / Jerome,as Jamaicans we prefer to talk about change rather than implementing it. In addition,everyone is saying that the society is corrupted and bad. However, none of us is willing to address the man in the mirror.
ReplyDeleteA societal culture change is difficult however it is very possible.Jamaican never change unless
something devastasting happens and we have seen that time and again. As a nation we must have a
common important goals that are mutually beneficail to everyone.Every Jamaican man, woman boy and girl should be aware of these goals. Each man, knowing these goals, should first look at himself then at his is environment and everything in it then assess where we are in term of achieving these goals.
After this self assessment he / she should make the necessay adjustment to his/her life and parental style to ensure this and other generations march in the right direction towards achieving these goal.
Jamaican cultures remains stagnant because our leaders are afriad of change as well.The government should also play a role in the drive for cultual change by:
- educating the people to a greater extent about the countries affairs (more transparency).
- educating the people about change and the positive that can be garnered from it.
- being more trustworthy.
Jahfari Parsons
Change is slow in Jamaica because we have the same two political parties carrying us in circles year after year. Persons who have attempted to form third parties with new ideas have failed miserably, including Bruce. I wish Ms Blaine all the best in making that attempt again. It is this kind of thing which causes our politicians to be so complacent.
ReplyDeleteThe two political parties have offered very little to the people.They have not seen any major changes for improvement in the economy,education, reduction in crime etc. after several decades of trial and error. My own diagnosis is that levels of corruption in both governments are quite high and and as a result of this very little is done for the people. The citizens of the country are too accepting of the foolishness being offered to us as governance. I believe that real change can come if we first educate people as to their right to good governance, and to somehow get people to put themselves as citizens first and not just people belonging to one of both parties defending our leaders in their poor performance. Empowering the people mentally is my solution. --THIS IS DONALD CLARKE (not quite sure how my comment is assigned to Nicole Satchell)
ReplyDeletePosting for Denisha:
ReplyDeleteThe more things change the more things remain the same’. We can rationalize this concept within the context of our Jamaican society; it is evident in our system of government, the way we conduct our businesses and our general way of life. But before we begin to understand why this is the case and how to move beyond this point we have to understand what are the factors that influence change and who are the real drivers of change.
Based on the article Eight Reasons Why People Resist Change by Hajek.J.(2010),people resist change because of fear, comfort,not perceiving a need,no faith in the process,lack of knowledge, lack of trust,heavy – handedness by leaders and personal preference. These factors suggest that change will only come once there is a change in the behaviours of our leaders and non leaders.
Our leaders will have to engage persons in the change process so that they feel that they are a part of the process. By explaining the reason for the change, stating the benefits that will be derived from it (both personally and collectively) and seeking their suggestions - will address the issues of fear, trust and being forced into a system of change without their will. Leaders will also have to ensure that this change process persists so that individuals are encouraged that the change is for the greater good and not just for the moment.
‘Change comes from within’ This shows that non leaders can also influence change by having a clear vision and hope for being a part of something newer and better, educating themselves so that they are more knowledgeable and can think for themselves. Once they are able to develop these basic skills set then they will begin to challenge the status quo and propose a change for something new.
Our Education Minister, Andrew Holness, is currently trying to engage parents in his plans to improve the education system in Jamaica and also highlight the fact that success will only come with their support, along with teachers and the Ministry. However, if parents lack the vision for creating a better life for their children (in terms of achieving quality education to the highest level), then they will resist efforts to make this change possible.
Likewise our political leaders may sell us ideas for a better Jamaica but regardless of their motives, we as citizens of this country will need to hold them accountable and request changes when they do not deliver on their promises to implement change.
June 26, 2011 2:49 PM
We are in dire need of a sponsor (Project Champion) to drive the change process, but to whom do we turn? Our leaders have no moral authority to lead and as followers we continue to follow blindly, those of us who dare to ‘stand out’ are seen as deviants and not supportive of the status quo. Society is replete with those among us who dare to challenge those who continue to don the mask of leadership, only for people of the ilk of the Contractor General to be attacked by those whose agenda is held in a clenched hand. We need not another study, what we need are persons with the testicular fortitude to implement that which we are all convicted of, what is right, ethical and morally correct.
ReplyDeleteOn behalf of Chamion:
ReplyDeleteOne of the greatest challenges to the success of change is the transition from the status quo to a whole new way of thinking and operating.
When I was a child there was a story of several mice that lived in a house which had as one of its occupants, a cat. This cat made life very miserable for the mice so they called a meeting and brainstormed as to the possible ways of getting rid of the cat. One idea was settled on. They would purchase a bell, hang it around the neck of the cat, thus warning them when the cat was coming. They all agreed that this was a brilliant idea but the question now was, “who will bell the cat”
We can equate this question to Jamaica as a country, who will initiate the change? One cannot in fairness answer this question without looking at our historical data and asking ourselves, when we can move pass the backra massa complex and stop making a bunch of politicians dictate the way forward.
The O.D. consultant has his or her work cut out for them. How do I get a diagnosis of the issues and concerns that remains unbiased? We are essentially a two party country and depending on the side of the fence you are on, then the answer is customised to benefit the favoured party.
Therein lies the problem. Why the need for change when, dependent of the party in governance, there is a kickback somewhere in there for me.
However one cannot argue the fact that, when we want to unite as a country and say with one voice, the issue at hand, no one demonstrates this better than us. Wait for the upcoming world games and look at the reaction of the citizenry of this nation when one of the country athletes is on show, to prove my point.
How do I now, as the O.D. consultant, capitalize on this zeal and unity and transform it into the need for change that is a shared vision for all. And having “captured” the enthusiasm , how do I sustain it?
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” (Maria Robinson)
ReplyDeleteJamaica is a country with abundance of natural resources and as our motto states “Out of Many, One People”. The problems being faced with its physical infrastructure stems from years of neglect and abuse by its citizens. The first step identifying the root cause of the problem is to hold a series of consultation with all the key stakeholders through face to face meetings, one on one interviews, surveys and community forums. After which a focus group will be setup to analyse the feedbacks received.
The results of the findings will then be shared with the various groups to solicit their feedback. A report comprising the results of the diagnostics, feedbacks and recommendations will forwarded for discussion with the relevant Ministers who have ministerial responsibility for Finance and Public Works.
Based on the results of the diagnostics my recommendations are as follows:
1. A sensitizing campaign is to be done to educate the citizens on the importance and benefits to keeping the physical infrastructures paid with their tax payers’ dollars.
2. A phase repairs to be conducted starting with the ones that are in a deplorable state.
3. A repairs and maintenance schedule be implemented
4. The public works ministry inspectorate unit be equipped with the relevant personnel and technology
5. The relevant ministries to allocate 5% of the budget to the continuous maintenance of these infrastructure
6. The Prime Minister and relevant Ministers address the nation to update the citizens on the plans for the maintenance and repair of these infrastructures and why it is important for the citizens to take care of them. Highlighting also the benefits to each community.
7. The message should be repeated through community notice boards and bulletins.
Jamaica is a country with great people and we has have put Jamaica on the International map through our music, culture, food etc. and we have come a far way and there is not turning back. This is our “rock” and if we do not fix the problems and put systems in place to stem the corruption and the erosion of our physical infrastructures then there will be nothing for our children and their children to enjoy. This is our home and we must take care of it.
(This is William)
For Jamaica to change we need to let go of our bad habits. As an OD consultant i would conduct an in-depth diagnosis to find out exactly why we as a country are continuously being plagued by these issues.
ReplyDeleteThe diagnostic tools that would be used are questionnaires and interviews. Interviews would be used more as this would allow me to interact with persons who will be selected randomly. This would allow persons to express their emotions regarding these issues and it would also give me an opportunity to help motivate these persons to think about change as something positive.
It is often said that change comes from within, thus these issues should be looked at from an individual level. Therefore, persons (including leaders of the country)would need to look into themselves and figure out how they can make a difference in society and how they could implement a change that is beneficiary to everyone.
The children is said to be our future and as a result, i would want to be involved in coaching and mentoring our young ones in order to secure our future.
Jamaica can change and we will. My recommendations are:
1. Implement a mentor-ship programme in all schools island-wide to motivate our children from an early age and let them see the benefits of change.
2. Develop more community centers for persons to come in get involved in some activity. I believe that when persons sit around having nothing to do, they tend to not care about society and will not support a change.
3. Encourage the leaders of the country to be more truthful to the people of Jamaica by interacting more with them so that they can be trusted and so that persons can support them and get involve in implementing change.
By doing all these thing, the mindset of our people would be so much different.