Lurking dangers of unchecked arrogance
Recent seminars held to discuss the National Budget 2015 highlighted one thing at least, that being the lack of knowledge of high ranking IRD officials of the rationale, and the implementation of the budget pronouncements.
Logically the formulation of these policies should have had the involvement of these very senior officials. It appears that one of the basic tenets of “Strategy formulation”, this being the involvement of key stakeholders is not followed in developing Budget/Policy.
The big “one page” advertisements which appear in the dailies acknowledging the contributions made by various persons, organizations and associations to the national budget are a big “eye-wash”. What is the point in acknowledging contributions from the public if those who are intimately involved, and expected to be involved, are not engaged and empowered. It was sad to see, and must have been extremely demeaning from them, very senior officials of the IRD not being able to respond to simple queries. It appears that the “financial planning” of the nation is in the hands of one man, the Secretary to the Treasury. The arrogance which with he spoke at a recent budget briefing further confirms that power has gone to his head. He revels in speaking to people. He rarely participates in interactive discussions where persons with independence of thought can disagree with him and engage in debate without fear of reprisal. Anyone, with some ability in public speaking, can deliver an “ear pleasing” message in the absence of any questioning or challenging. It is time that the President and other senior Government Ministers recognized the dangers of such singular power and took steps to ensure that policies are formulated with the involvement of key stakeholders and officials. Decisions must be committee based. No single person must have unfettered powers. No wonder that our public service is on a very slippery slope!!!!
Reggie David
Dehiwela