In Search of.... "Greater Productivity"

By Marcus M. Mottley, Ph.D.
www.SpeakTrain.com

This is an article that I wrote in the Antigua & Barbuda Workers’ Voice on December 11th, 1982. It was written under my column, “In Search of Other Things”. The title of the article is “Greater Productivity”.


Productivity has been defined as the relationship between the physical and mental output of a person, company or nation and the input of skills, know-how, labor, capital and materials. In simple word, it is the relationship between input and output!

When we look at our periodicals today (1982), we find that the headlines reveal high levels of unemployment, sluggish economies and high numbers of high school dropouts. These problems undoubtedly lie in the sphere of low productivity.

Productivity must be seen from an individual and personal standpoint. For example, when a school is highly rated, it means that the individuals in the school produce. The class teacher produces and as a result the student produces high academic performance, good behavior and success in extra-curricular activities. The same production ration can be used with any institution, company industry or… nation.

Of course there are many factors which affect one’s productiveness. Some of these are: educational and cultural background, personal interests, aptitudes and abilities, experience, age, skill and expertise, financial conditions, physical and material resources, health, family life and the national and international environment.

Of these factors, I think that educational and cultural backgrounds play the key roles. It is during our childhood years at home and at school that we learn valuable qualities such as self-discipline, respect and good behavior. It is also at this time that we practice punctuality, effective communication, good decision-making, logical reasoning, and proper attitudes towards assignments. We also learn to adopt high performance habits.

At least, it is at this time, that we should learn these things. But the facts belie this situation. Let us examine our schools for example. The high level of absenteeism and lateness, the lack of total involvement in activities (or lack of opportunities for involvement), the low levels of discipline, the erosion of traditional standards of behavior, the large amount of dropouts, the low performance levels in school and poor achievement results at exams, and the generally unwilling attitude towards assignments (homework).

Let me hasten to add that at this time, I am not blaming anyone… yet. However, if the child does not do his homework and is not motivated to produce in school what will his work attitude be like as an adult? If at 16 (sixteen) years of age he has developed a negative outlook or even an indifferent approach to punctuality and attendance, do you think he will be a changed person 10 (ten) years later?

Although productivity must be seen from an individual view point, this does not relieve our institutions of their responsibilities. Adequate steps must be taken immediately on a national front to motivate individuals in our society to change their attitudes towards productivity. This must involve a scientific approach in education, career guidance, personal development programs and vocational training, and community development projects.

Whatever is done must have a three pronged approach: (1) Home and the family; (2) School and community; (3) Jobs or professions. Also of equal importance are styles and methods of teaching and management; incentives for increase production; more opportunities for local and other training; seminars for adult groups on topics such as personal development, parenting and developing self-help projects.

As an individual, are you satisfied with your performance at school? At work? As a spouse? As a parent? Are you satisfied that what you are putting in on the job is on par with what you are getting out? Do you think too much is asked of you for the too little reward you are given at month’s end? Does this thought affect your attitude and behavior – thereby affecting your performance and productivity?

Only you can really answer these questions. Be honest with yourself; reflect on your skills, know-how, attitudes, attendance and punctuality. Make high performance a personal issue in all spheres of your life. Do everything in your power to improve and progress, and to develop your inputs and outputs.

Remember, “As you sow, so shall thou reap!”

Marcus M. Mottley, Ph.D.
mpowerme@speaktrain.com
www.SpeakTrain.com