THE BERH BAKRA PHENONEMON. This common expression means a group of people being directed as they are expected to be unthinking, unquestioning and submissive. Berh Bakra literally means shepherded farm animals. It is a common expression used by PR officers to describe their role and purpose. In fairness, it is common in government sector organisations. This goes well in our culture in general as we are attuned to submissiveness in the name of discipline and good manners from an early age. What does this mean for an organisation? It leaves an organisation vulnerable to stagnation of ideas and innovation thereby inhibiting growth and adaption, the essential need of an enterprise. Rather than allow and permit the free flow of information and knowledge, a stranglehold is kept on expression. This stems from the need to dictate the terms of the discourse and to acquire validation of ideas which would be implemented nonetheless. The origin of this is in lack of confidence. If there is conviction, knowledge and understanding there is no need to enforce such a culture. But when there is a lack of knowledge and skills based on concrete facts and expertise, strong handed methods are needed for validation and to diminish the fear of being found out. In a healthier organisation, access to information, free expression and debate is encouraged and nurtured. . It is the fuel for the engine of growth. An organisation without it stagnates, is vulnerable to cronyism, repetition of mistakes, all of which breed inefficiency and ineffectiveness.
Posted on: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 04:53:39 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015