You the citizen are in a very real sense a microcosm of the nation at large. The more productive you are in whatever constructive endeavor, the higher your contribution toward the condition of the whole. Despite this universal truism, the per capita productivity level in Ethiopia is appallingly low. Why are we, generally speaking, so lacking in strong work ethics…..?
The ‘industrious’ Ethiopians….
The Netherlands, - Holland as it is more commonly known, is a kingdom of about 16.5 million with over 489 people per square kilometer, making it the fourth most densely populated European nation. Among the larger countries in Europe, it is by far the densest since Monaco - 41,250 people /sq km, Malta - 3205 people /sq km, and San Marino - 1295/sq km (1st,2nd and 3rd densest respectively) are tiny nations not at all to be contrasted with Holland.
Still, the Netherlands occupies only about 41,526 sq. km (30 times smaller than Ethiopia!) of natural resource challenged land, much of it watery and below sea level. So dire is Hollands lack of dry soil that the Dutch have had to reclaim land from the North Sea.
This lack of resources (except of course for the abundance of water) did not dissuade the Dutch from working their way to a prosperity, social harmony and traditions of far ranging democratic and human rights that are virtually unmatched by any other nation.
Utilizing the little that was going for them - a strategic location, a rich maritime history and a knack for trade, the Dutch devoted themselves to hard work so wholeheartedly, that a specific adjective is often placed before the word Dutch - 'industrious'.
Per capita, the Dutch are among the most productive people on the planet and the best model for Ethiopians to emulate, even in modest doses.
Most of us do not deny that work ethics in our country are pretty lax and some would even say non-existent. Applying oneself to a certain task, keeping at it and doing it to the best of one's ability is not an Ethiopian forte - much to the detriment of national development.
The level of individual productivity in Ethiopia - even when contrasted to many other Least Developed Countries (CDCs) is quite low. Is this in bred or is it a conditioned response? Thankfully, there are indications that Ethiopians are not genetically indisposed to consistent high work productivity. The gentleman who shone this light on me has lived in various parts of Europe and in the U.S.A. and currently owns a popular up market restaurant in Addis Ababa. Having overheard my friend and I discuss this article over excellent ghoulash, the portly restaurator asked to joined us at table. we obliged.
"I want to share something. Good work ethics - which includes striving for maximum individual productivity for the benefit of all, is not a quality which is determined by nationality. There is nothing wrong per se with Ethiopians and it can't be said that we don't like to work hard. The main factor in my experience has to do with work environment and conditioning.
Ethiopians in the U.S.A or Europe are as productive as any other immigrant community. This shows me that high productivity is not determined by nationality but by other factors."
According to him, Ethiopians who have returned after working abroad, especially in the U.S. display better work ethics than their in-country compatriots in nearly all sectors of endeavor. Intrigued I spoke with some more ex-diaspora Ethiopians and found this to be true. It dawned on me that since low work productivity is clearly not a result of a faulty gene in Ethiopian DNA, is something that we can tackle and rectify as a society (Despite the saying that Ethiopians, like the proverbial tiger, are wary of change).
The transformation required to instill a national culture of high productivity is monumental in scope and yet if well implemented, will change Ethiopia and Habesha society - as to make it nearly unrecognizable -in a very good way. By this I refer to punctuality, dedication to the task at hand, acting promptly on ideas making each and every mental and physical effort count, etc … But what does this actually entail?
Firstly, individuals in every sector - line employees, management, service providers and (importantly) centers of education at all levels must be provided with the necessary conducive physical environment, where hard work is rewarded and lax performance is improved through motivational support programs and other tools of modern management.
Ethiopians, besides the required committment at individual level must also as a society consider revising the factors for overall low productivity such as the busy holiday calendar, overly extended and often ruinously extravagant weddings, funerals and many other facets of a wonderfully rich colorful and yet highly inefficient culture. Lets trim our beautiful tree of its deadwood and re-invigorate ourselves with a commitment to increasing per capita productivity. If this happens, soon we could be as lucky as the Dutch and boast "industrious" as a synonym for Ethiopian.
Why do we Ethiopians have such low productivity?
I feel that there are not enough role models on which the youth can base their ambitions. The media has a great responsibility in this regard. You must put all efforts to include content that focuses on entrepreneurship, work ethics and the experience of high achievers, among other motivational interventions.
Betel K. 42
Fleet Manager
Have you noted that most people in the streets stroll to work rather than walk briskly as is done in most other countries? Ethiopians are forever bemused at the fast pace which foreigners walk and we mutter “Yet Lideres new?” (What’s to rush for?) reflecting a tragic fatalism.
Mamush S. 29
Writer
The 1974 ethiopian revolution is largely to blame for eroding the split of private initiative. Hardworking citizens, many who started from scratch in petty trade, had factories buildings and other property nationalized. Entrepreneurship was classified as anti-revolutionary and everything was in state hands. No wonder that today, Ethiopians lack the motivation for hard work.
Temesgen T, 61
Businessman
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