#185: Survival of the fittest
The survival of the fittest. That’s what people tell me competition during a recession is all about.
But look at the culture and make-up of the survivors and you have to wonder, “Fittest for what?”
As the pressure for profit increases, internal competition hots up. Departments compete on budgets instead of collaborating on resources; employees compete for a place on shrinking teams instead of co-operating; and so on.
But what about management? Good question.
Akio Morita, the founder of Sony, once said: “If we face a recession, we should not lay off employees; the company should sacrifice a profit. It is management's risk and management's responsibility. Employees are not guilty; why should they suffer?”
But suffer they do, which reminds me of a Polish proverb: Under capitalism man exploits man; under socialism the reverse is true.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh
James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
Monday - 7:19am and Saturday - 8:19am
But look at the culture and make-up of the survivors and you have to wonder, “Fittest for what?”
As the pressure for profit increases, internal competition hots up. Departments compete on budgets instead of collaborating on resources; employees compete for a place on shrinking teams instead of co-operating; and so on.
But what about management? Good question.
Akio Morita, the founder of Sony, once said: “If we face a recession, we should not lay off employees; the company should sacrifice a profit. It is management's risk and management's responsibility. Employees are not guilty; why should they suffer?”
But suffer they do, which reminds me of a Polish proverb: Under capitalism man exploits man; under socialism the reverse is true.
I’m james@nonsenseatwork.com
Copyright: 2008 James Henry McIntosh
James can be heard on Public Radio, 88.9 FM WCVE, Richmond VA.
Monday - 7:19am and Saturday - 8:19am
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