Succession problems
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