Succession problems
Succession within institutions or enterprises, private or public, are not always as smooth as one would hope. Take, for example, the problems of state-owned railway company (PT KAI) and Garuda Indonesian Airways (PT Garuda) in replacing departing directors.
The recent government appointments of PT KAI directors were rejected by the railway workers' union. One month or so has passed and efforts to resolve the situation are continuing. This reflects a serious breach in the relationship, both horizontally and vertically, between the involved organizational levels. This in turn may cause inconveniences, affecting services to potential railway passengers, and furthermore it will jeopardize the spirit and the morale of PT KAI workers.
Assuming this management "accident" was not intentional, there certainly is an acceptable and satisfying solution for the "conflicting" parties. The solution requires retrospection and an inordinate amount of time. We have to refrain from injustice and injudicious decisions. Integrity from all parties involved is required, and we have to integrate all positive forces within the institution on an intellectual and ingenious basis, without too many interferences from outsiders.
A harmonious interaction has to be built anew, avoiding inelegance and keeping in mind the behavior, norms and the pursued culture of the railway workers, at every level of the organization.
To obtain greater vision in problem solving let us have a look at the game of golf. Lobbying is known to occur while playing golf. The game itself is an exercise in patience and thoughtful decision making, both needed in problem solving. Hazards or barriers ought to be avoided and overcome: bunkers, water and out-of-bound areas.
Experienced players can play the ball so it does not plunge into the pond or roll out of bounds. It is assumed experienced executives know how to play golf and know the rules of the game. They ought to consider handling problems as they do in the game of golf. This is to achieve favorable scores, holes in one, best net, best gross, or whatever. Be healthy and wise, solve problems the golf way!
SOEKARTONO
Jakarta