Cultural norms slow growth of professionalism
Cultural norms slow growth of professionalism
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has to undergo a major cultural
transformation before it can improve the level of professionalism
lacking in its society, a management expert said.
During a seminar on "Cultural Transformation for
Professionalism" held by Prasetiya Mulya School for Management
yesterday, Gregorius Pratiknyo explained how an over zealous
devotion to past traditions is hampering the development of
professional attitudes.
"It is important to admit that some of our culture has to be
changed to suit the needs of time," said the head of Prasetiya
Mulya's human resources department. "If we are honest with
ourselves, we'll find traditional norms which impede the nation's
development."
He argued that professionalism was a necessary for the country
to compete in the global market. "We can no longer depend on
favoritism, privileges, connections or any other means outside
the norms of professionalism," he said, referring to some of the
current business practices in Indonesia.
Professionalism demands a high degree of objectivity,
commitment towards quality and skill, he said.
Among the cultural factors hindering the establishment of
professional attitudes is a rabid loyalty to family relations.
"The strong value of the family within society very often causes
nepotism which is often seen in small companies, private and
state-owned firms, government sectors and even the nation's
ruling elite," he said, adding that "an excessive following of
the family norms would certainly cloud objectivity."
Heidi Vernon-Wortzel, a professor at Northeastern University
in Boston, Massachusetts, pointed out during the seminar that
family enterprises are a common feature in many Asian societies.
"In Indonesia, as in most countries, family businesses are at
the heart of the non-governmental business structure," she said.
According to Vernon-Wortzel, the downside to such business
structures is that a company's growth is restricted by the
division of duties since only family members are entrusted with
the essential responsibilities.
"By employing children and other relatives the southeast Asian
entrepreneur may feel that he or she has protected, rather than
jeopardized, company interests," she said in her paper.
Another crucial element in cultural norms is the extolled role
leaders have within a society. Such values are transferred to the
enterprise where the head of the company becomes the gauge and
catalyst for change.
"Because of that, the biggest obstacle to professionalism does
not come from the outside...but from the leadership itself,"
Gregorius said.
He explained that a person is a product of society and prone
to inheriting the prevailing cultural norms.
"On one side, they (leaders) understand the need for idealism
and professionalism, on the other, the inherent culture along
with other temptations obstruct them," he described.
Hari Darmawan, the founder and president of Matahari
Department Store, stressed the importance of leadership in
promoting professionalism.
Hari pointed out how he tried to exemplify his own
professional work attitudes for his employees (mds)