Well … calypso as you, and everyone else here, understands (or should), politics and self-advancement are not merely “fairly crucial” aspects, they are very likely the most centrally obstructive attitudes that are seemingly ever-present in many, if not most, organizations. So … do we attempt to do something about the circumstances – whatever those circumstances may be - or, do we “fold our tents” and head for the bar?
So … what are the alternatives?
1) throw barbs over a bargaining table?
2) write “letters to the editor”?
3) carry UNFAIR picket signs?
4) cut labor costs by reducing salaries?
5) institute lay-offs?
Of course, such a list could go on “ad nauseam” – and could include any of all the other tried-and-failed alternatives. Notwithstanding this unlikely-to-occur effort, it seems that the only logical alternative is—
a) to determine what may be in error (perhaps training goals and evaluation methods?);
b) identify what can be improved (perhaps competence, knowledge, understanding, and practice?);
c) recognize and understand the fiscal limitations (perhaps frontal understanding that corporate income is generated by ticket sales – alone – and recognizing the impact of lowering salaries is not necessarily off-set by increasing work hours?);
d) understand the costs of “doing business” (perhaps acknowledge rising fuel costs and airport fees? – and/or the necessity for specifically qualified personnel to install/maintain/repair the advancing technology currently found in modern aircraft?)
The bottom line quickly comes into focus … work within these boundaries to understand the meaningful methods that can be employed to correct errors, to improve what can be improved, and allow everyone the opportunity to experience the satisfying recognition of their own participative efforts being a contributing factor to the success of the organization employing them.
Is this “pie-in-the-sky?” Maybe … a bit. A perfect solution? Certainly not. But, no one ever got anywhere by sitting on their duff while complaining. What I, and others – most notably the UK’s Royal Aeronautical Society – are attempting to employ, is a process involving ALL of the significant parties in a regular review of existing operations and collective agreements regarding what can be done to improve the process (the WHOLE process) and, from that, the meaningful bottom line.