Kuwait Times

Published Date: July 18, 2010
By Muna Al-Fuzai, Staff Writer

The right person, at the right place! One does not have to think much finding this person in a place like Kuwait, especially in government departments where wasta rules the roost and outdated methods of employee assessment and evaluation fail to distinguish between good and bad workers. So, many hardworking employees were not able to showcase their talents and utilize their abilities.

Is the public right about airing grievances on this matter? I think they are right, especially when you see many government officials and so-called 'well placed' employees who have been holding on to their positions for more than twenty or thirty years. Even when they are forced to retire owing to legal requirements or medical reasons, they still insist publically on giving their best! When one holds a position for more than thirty years without garnering significant accomplishments, then the only plau
sible explanation for remaining in power is to promote personal interests and gain easy access to wasta. This always happens when officials are allowed to 'grow roots' especially those that are appointed as undersecretaries or assistant undersecretaries.

If you have a boss who has been a veteran of 20 years and you decide to come up with new ideas or introduce a pilot project, it may or may not see the light of the day. The problem with government offices is that they follow a work methodology that is sluggish for the most part. Everyone fears change. In many cases, it is these bosses who have been there for many years who resist change of any kind.

Most work is performed manually in many departments. Yes, that is the reason why there are managers who are not up to date with newer methods of administration. They continue to appreciate the use of manual methods of saving files and documents. Finding a capable manager is almost impossible and we pay the price. You and me, we are the losers. The 'wasta' flaunters benefit the most.