What do you understand by “work culture‟? How does work culture in India differs from that of West’s? Examine. (150 Words)
Work Culture or Organization Culture is set of collective beliefs, values, rules and behaviour which organisation as whole conforms to. In a layman approach it is culture that a group as an organisation follows. Culture varies with family, region, social class and hence in work environment.
India started late in the Organisational ethics and setup. Indian pioneer Udai Pareek has done extensive research on this. As per him, because of Indian mindset of Guru Shishya and strict hierarchical structure in society, it is visible in work culture also. Some differences between India‘s and West work cultures are:
- Indians focus on quantity of time spent in work rather than quality of work, this is because of impression of work by time as no innovative/creative work was done during colonial period. Hence, the image of hardworking by time. Working hours in India is 10 hours while in West it is maximum 6-8 hours.
- West focusses individuality and hence relation between superior and sub-ordinates are very formal. Calling by their first name, only work related tasks, lesser interpersonal skills and bonding are prevalent in West unlike India.
- West takes work place as place of recreation, fun, innovation and creativity. Hence they focus more on aesthetic and facilities like gym, clubs, lounges etc. This is unlike Indian counterpart, who focuses majorly on productivity.
India has started study and research on Work ethics and culture lately and has made much progress with influx of MNCs and their culture adopted in India very fast. There are many good things to learn while some points to alter as per Indian work culture.
How can government ensure that public servants stay happy in their workplace? If you are posted as District Collector, what measures will you take to ensure workers are happy? (200 Words)
Happiness is a state of mind. We have expectations and aspirations related to our lives. If these expectations are fulfilled then we are happy. For public servants to be happy in their work place it is necessary that their good work is respected, valued and appreciated. The current exercise of CIVIL SERVICES DAY where the government is going to reward best performing district in various schemes is a great beginning to ensure happiness of public servants.
A happy worker is a vital asset to an organization. He not only works efficiently he also motivates and therefore get the best of his colleagues. If I am posted district collector I will take following measures to ensure workers are happy-
- I will make it a habit of commending the efforts of most performing workers.
- I will try to make them realize their worth to the organization by recognizing their contribution.
- I will be approachable to my workers for work and personal problems and would genuinely try to solve them
- Get together with families of workers can be organized to improve TRUST AND COOPERATION.
- I will make sure that the newer workers, women, handicapped and lower caste workers are able to work with complete DIGNITY .
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