If you are a true Human Resource Professional, try and analyze this.
Hi friends,
Almost every one of us has interaction with Govt Employees in our life. There must also be members whose parents, relatives, friends, themselves are Govt Employees. Many times you must have observed that while waiting in a queue in any Govt office, a conversation usually starts in the Public, about the clerk, Officer who has kept them waiting in a line. It usually goes on like:
"Arre itni der se ek hi form process kiya, line aage kyun nahi badh rahi hai?"
"Arre uska kya, wo to sarkari naukar hai, aaram se kaam karega."
And some 2-3 active members in line begin to criticize that all Government employees are lazy and useless and don't do any work, until their time comes.
BUT HAVE YOU REALLY GIVEN A THOUGHT TO THE POINT THAT are GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES REALLY CORRUPT, LAZY, etc.?
I also used to think earlier that Govt Employees are lazy and don't do any work. But then there are some points which, if considered, may change the view of a person who thinks all Govt Employees are not lazy.
Majority of people are of the view that all Govt Employees are lazy, but have we ever thought about why the govt employee behaves with you very cold, non-interest to serve you? From the below, I could point out the following facts which may describe the behavior of Govt employees.
Facts:
There is no HR dept in Govt organizations, they have a centralized management which issues orders/circulars and is usually the head office people. So naturally having 10 HR depts in 10 locations, + 1 HR dept at the head office would make a difference than having 10 locations + 1 head office and HR being centrally organized.
In your organization, you must be having many appraisal formats, procedures, awards like giving free movie tickets, arranging parties for employees, fun with work as you may say.
But do you know that Govt employees don't have performance appraisal, they have one annual ACR (Annual confidential report) as the name suggests. Even I don't know what my supervisor has written in my ACR.
In any govt organization, the TOP MANAGEMENT people are really hardworking, almost everyone overloaded with work, having many professional educational qualifications, excellent academic records, awards, achievements to their credit. As it goes, we Indians are good planners but bad executors. The top management is all excellent, but by the time through the tedious, slow procedures it reaches the most low-end executioners, who are the only people with whom you interact during your work schedule, it does not get implemented at all. If someone has interacted with higher officials of Govt organizations, they can explain further that the top management is really disciplined, quality-oriented, and professional.
Some lower-end executors like in the case of railways are also overloaded with work. Since there is no frequent recruitment going on, even take the case of a signaling man, his single mistake could create a major disaster. Still, when you visit a station, you won't help from complaining about the dirtiness of the station (it is we citizens who dirty the stations, throw rubbish here and there), the train delays (as compared with other countries, what better can you expect from the world's largest railway network that too operating on technologies less advanced than other countries).
What I observe is that the employees want to excel, but their job gives them no opportunity to show their skills and grow. So ultimately, within some 2-3 years, their attitude also becomes like let it be, why should I do it now, and they become resistant to change since there is no one to encourage them, no one to provide them training, no one to upgrade their skills, no one for their potential appraisal, no speedy redressal of grievances, and the very slow tedious rules. I myself have observed that in govt you have to go as per SOP or standard operating procedures, so most people may comment that the clerk is lazy when he tells that there is no stamp available in the post office. Some may even question him, why there is no stamp, and he may rudely reply, NO. But the truth is the rules are such that he can't do anything to bring the stamps; they will come as per rule procedures, and he is not allowed to break them.
In govt authority is of very much importance, and everyone has his own authority, and he cannot do another person's work unless intimation in writing is received. The thing is that it so happens that the next day he is questioned WHY DID U DO THIS, DO YOU HAVE AN ORDER, so ultimately the attitude is not to take initiative, as instead of encouraging it's discouraging to take initiative.
Mostly the top management is all overloaded, and there is a big communication gap between the TOP and DOWN LEVEL.
Also accepted some are corrupt, avoid work, but it's better not to discuss those things here.
Main is as an HR professional if such type of an organization comes under you as an HR professional, what steps would you take to improve it, though you may be working for MNCs, but how would it be if our Indian Govt is improved.
We all discuss about MANAGEMENT, so I thought to initiate this discussion, as this situation affects all of us.
From India, Pune
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57Hi friends,
Almost every one of us has interaction with Govt Employees in our life. There must also be members whose parents, relatives, friends, themselves are Govt Employees. Many times you must have observed that while waiting in a queue in any Govt office, a conversation usually starts in the Public, about the clerk, Officer who has kept them waiting in a line. It usually goes on like:
"Arre itni der se ek hi form process kiya, line aage kyun nahi badh rahi hai?"
"Arre uska kya, wo to sarkari naukar hai, aaram se kaam karega."
And some 2-3 active members in line begin to criticize that all Government employees are lazy and useless and don't do any work, until their time comes.
BUT HAVE YOU REALLY GIVEN A THOUGHT TO THE POINT THAT are GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES REALLY CORRUPT, LAZY, etc.?
I also used to think earlier that Govt Employees are lazy and don't do any work. But then there are some points which, if considered, may change the view of a person who thinks all Govt Employees are not lazy.
Majority of people are of the view that all Govt Employees are lazy, but have we ever thought about why the govt employee behaves with you very cold, non-interest to serve you? From the below, I could point out the following facts which may describe the behavior of Govt employees.
Facts:
There is no HR dept in Govt organizations, they have a centralized management which issues orders/circulars and is usually the head office people. So naturally having 10 HR depts in 10 locations, + 1 HR dept at the head office would make a difference than having 10 locations + 1 head office and HR being centrally organized.
In your organization, you must be having many appraisal formats, procedures, awards like giving free movie tickets, arranging parties for employees, fun with work as you may say.
But do you know that Govt employees don't have performance appraisal, they have one annual ACR (Annual confidential report) as the name suggests. Even I don't know what my supervisor has written in my ACR.
In any govt organization, the TOP MANAGEMENT people are really hardworking, almost everyone overloaded with work, having many professional educational qualifications, excellent academic records, awards, achievements to their credit. As it goes, we Indians are good planners but bad executors. The top management is all excellent, but by the time through the tedious, slow procedures it reaches the most low-end executioners, who are the only people with whom you interact during your work schedule, it does not get implemented at all. If someone has interacted with higher officials of Govt organizations, they can explain further that the top management is really disciplined, quality-oriented, and professional.
Some lower-end executors like in the case of railways are also overloaded with work. Since there is no frequent recruitment going on, even take the case of a signaling man, his single mistake could create a major disaster. Still, when you visit a station, you won't help from complaining about the dirtiness of the station (it is we citizens who dirty the stations, throw rubbish here and there), the train delays (as compared with other countries, what better can you expect from the world's largest railway network that too operating on technologies less advanced than other countries).
What I observe is that the employees want to excel, but their job gives them no opportunity to show their skills and grow. So ultimately, within some 2-3 years, their attitude also becomes like let it be, why should I do it now, and they become resistant to change since there is no one to encourage them, no one to provide them training, no one to upgrade their skills, no one for their potential appraisal, no speedy redressal of grievances, and the very slow tedious rules. I myself have observed that in govt you have to go as per SOP or standard operating procedures, so most people may comment that the clerk is lazy when he tells that there is no stamp available in the post office. Some may even question him, why there is no stamp, and he may rudely reply, NO. But the truth is the rules are such that he can't do anything to bring the stamps; they will come as per rule procedures, and he is not allowed to break them.
In govt authority is of very much importance, and everyone has his own authority, and he cannot do another person's work unless intimation in writing is received. The thing is that it so happens that the next day he is questioned WHY DID U DO THIS, DO YOU HAVE AN ORDER, so ultimately the attitude is not to take initiative, as instead of encouraging it's discouraging to take initiative.
Mostly the top management is all overloaded, and there is a big communication gap between the TOP and DOWN LEVEL.
Also accepted some are corrupt, avoid work, but it's better not to discuss those things here.
Main is as an HR professional if such type of an organization comes under you as an HR professional, what steps would you take to improve it, though you may be working for MNCs, but how would it be if our Indian Govt is improved.
We all discuss about MANAGEMENT, so I thought to initiate this discussion, as this situation affects all of us.
From India, Pune
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Hi Ravishankar,
My Details:
Name: Tikam Singh Shekhawat
Designation: AM-HR
Industry: Software
Total Work: 4 years (2 years for Govt. Of India-Ministry of Defence)
The topic is good, and I expect major HR professionals to see it. You have raised an important area for today's HR professionals. Let's clarify some fundamentals with reference to the posting.
Major government offices don't have Outlook/intra-communication or SAP as we have in MNCs. It's all paperwork. Every single file or application goes through a series of officers like labour/operator -> clerk -> Head Of Section -> Asst Works Manager -> Works Manager -> Joint General Manager -> Add General Manager/Admin Officer -> General Manager.
Every single file, for example, a request file for getting permission for training at a different government office, has to go through this channel. This is called the "Proper Channel" in government terminology. If any officer in this channel puts negative remarks, the file is rejected. It is difficult to get a coherent decision if the request is from the operator or a lower-ranked person because if somebody is on leave or in a meeting, the same file may take some days.
The second aspect is that at lower posts, attrition is very low, so employee relations may not be as effective as in the service sector.
Yes, they do have HR professionals, and they have more in comparison to what we have per location. These HR professionals are not like us, specialists in recruitment or payroll. For example, Railways or Central Government Offices have sections:
- Establishment
- Bill group (payroll, in our terms)
- LB: Labour Bureau
- LO: Labour Office
Every section has almost 10+ employees.
There are many more things to tell, a bit busy today.
Thanks & regards,
Tikam Singh
tikamindia@rediffmail.com
09823509139
From India, Pune
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My Details:
Name: Tikam Singh Shekhawat
Designation: AM-HR
Industry: Software
Total Work: 4 years (2 years for Govt. Of India-Ministry of Defence)
The topic is good, and I expect major HR professionals to see it. You have raised an important area for today's HR professionals. Let's clarify some fundamentals with reference to the posting.
Major government offices don't have Outlook/intra-communication or SAP as we have in MNCs. It's all paperwork. Every single file or application goes through a series of officers like labour/operator -> clerk -> Head Of Section -> Asst Works Manager -> Works Manager -> Joint General Manager -> Add General Manager/Admin Officer -> General Manager.
Every single file, for example, a request file for getting permission for training at a different government office, has to go through this channel. This is called the "Proper Channel" in government terminology. If any officer in this channel puts negative remarks, the file is rejected. It is difficult to get a coherent decision if the request is from the operator or a lower-ranked person because if somebody is on leave or in a meeting, the same file may take some days.
The second aspect is that at lower posts, attrition is very low, so employee relations may not be as effective as in the service sector.
Yes, they do have HR professionals, and they have more in comparison to what we have per location. These HR professionals are not like us, specialists in recruitment or payroll. For example, Railways or Central Government Offices have sections:
- Establishment
- Bill group (payroll, in our terms)
- LB: Labour Bureau
- LO: Labour Office
Every section has almost 10+ employees.
There are many more things to tell, a bit busy today.
Thanks & regards,
Tikam Singh
tikamindia@rediffmail.com
09823509139
From India, Pune
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Mr. Tikam Singh,
Thank you for your comments. I also wanted to write more. Here are some additional inputs:
In government organizations, if a person is applying for another government job, he needs to forward the communication through the proper channel. That is, his office forwards his application. Therefore, the people in your office would be aware that you are searching for a job, as only the application forwarded by your office would be considered valid. Your administrative officer would also need to submit Annual Confidential Reports (ACR) of the last five years (in some cases) and a clearance report from the vigilance officer (in some cases). Additionally, in a year, you can only apply for positions about 3-4 times. Therefore, if your superior becomes aware of this, it could potentially cause problems for you, depending on your superior.
Have you ever wondered how easily we can switch jobs in the private sector?
Thank you.
From India, Pune
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Thank you for your comments. I also wanted to write more. Here are some additional inputs:
In government organizations, if a person is applying for another government job, he needs to forward the communication through the proper channel. That is, his office forwards his application. Therefore, the people in your office would be aware that you are searching for a job, as only the application forwarded by your office would be considered valid. Your administrative officer would also need to submit Annual Confidential Reports (ACR) of the last five years (in some cases) and a clearance report from the vigilance officer (in some cases). Additionally, in a year, you can only apply for positions about 3-4 times. Therefore, if your superior becomes aware of this, it could potentially cause problems for you, depending on your superior.
Have you ever wondered how easily we can switch jobs in the private sector?
Thank you.
From India, Pune
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Hi,
These set of rules were made so that every project or file goes error-free. However, over time, they have become barriers and lost their value.
Next, the government officials are not concerned about their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), because typically towards the end of the ACR period, if the employee satisfies their boss, they tend to receive a better appraisal. Their pay hike is very minimal. For instance, if a Lower Division Clerk is promoted after 10-12 years to Higher Division Clerk, then their basic salary starts at around 4500 and their final salary is approximately 7000-8000. The annual increase is usually around 300-500 (including Dearness Allowance (DA) hike, with a general increment of about 75-125 per year). This situation is actually a contributing factor to corruption.
I have observed competent officers who are very effective. However, we are also accountable for their corruption. We often disregard the rules and use money to conceal our actions.
From India, Tiruppur
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These set of rules were made so that every project or file goes error-free. However, over time, they have become barriers and lost their value.
Next, the government officials are not concerned about their Annual Confidential Reports (ACRs), because typically towards the end of the ACR period, if the employee satisfies their boss, they tend to receive a better appraisal. Their pay hike is very minimal. For instance, if a Lower Division Clerk is promoted after 10-12 years to Higher Division Clerk, then their basic salary starts at around 4500 and their final salary is approximately 7000-8000. The annual increase is usually around 300-500 (including Dearness Allowance (DA) hike, with a general increment of about 75-125 per year). This situation is actually a contributing factor to corruption.
I have observed competent officers who are very effective. However, we are also accountable for their corruption. We often disregard the rules and use money to conceal our actions.
From India, Tiruppur
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Yes, Mr. Bagema,
We ourselves are, to some extent, contributing to corruption. It is we who think to pay 100 Rs more to get a license without hurdles. It is we who bribe anywhere and bypass government rules.
More inputs from members, I'm happy to see your interest! :) :P
From India, Pune
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We ourselves are, to some extent, contributing to corruption. It is we who think to pay 100 Rs more to get a license without hurdles. It is we who bribe anywhere and bypass government rules.
More inputs from members, I'm happy to see your interest! :) :P
From India, Pune
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There was a time when government jobs meant security, a lifelong pension after retirement, etc. Times have changed, and so have necessities. Today, a government job is looked down upon. With the emergence of the new economy, pay scales in the private sector have shot through the roof, and anyone worth their salt (read education) is looking for opportunities in the private sector, leading to a shortage of availability of human resources in the government sector. This has subsequently led to existing staff being overloaded and overburdened with more work than they can handle at the same meager pay, leading to a lax attitude, breeding corruption, and acceptance of bribes to keep their home fires burning.
It is not that these people don't want to work or are inept at their work. It's just the money, the environment, the treatment meted out to them by the government, and the public that has resulted in them becoming desultory, lazy, cold, etc.
The general public treats them like their private servants because of the term "public servant."
This situation is not beyond repair. It can be overturned, and we can make government employees perform at par with private sector employees provided the necessary initiative is taken and a revamp in the old-age work methods is undertaken.
- Richa
From India, Pune
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It is not that these people don't want to work or are inept at their work. It's just the money, the environment, the treatment meted out to them by the government, and the public that has resulted in them becoming desultory, lazy, cold, etc.
The general public treats them like their private servants because of the term "public servant."
This situation is not beyond repair. It can be overturned, and we can make government employees perform at par with private sector employees provided the necessary initiative is taken and a revamp in the old-age work methods is undertaken.
- Richa
From India, Pune
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Hi friends, this seems to be the only agenda to be discussed thoroughly. In my view, due to a lack of professionalism and more departmentalization in the government sector, there is such BAD behavior both inter and intra relationships. Moreover, the flow of direction is from top to bottom without taking into confidence the worker at the lower end. To cite, a decision is taken at the top level to procure a high-end machine, but to maintain that the workers are low educated or sometimes illiterate. The above is apart from the reasons for corruption. Delay in promotion to higher grades is a factor for laziness. No performance-related incentives. No orientation in work culture. Too many rules and regulations (some are even centuries old). Lack of transparency in all processes.
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