Social Realities

Do you ever wonder why the general public thinks negative thoughts about the public sector? Do you ever think that this "image" can be shaped or changed to reflect the positive aspect of public service?

These are thoughts that I dwell upon as I sit in my tiny office and wonder why there is such hostility in the workplace. I have touched on this (I think) in my blog before but I think that it needs more analysis or needs to be readdressed.

Let's start with my ideas of social realities. The reality that I live in is socially constructed of different cultures, peoples, ideals, values and opinions. Together this shapes the working organization and a distinct culture is formed.

Here is where it gets tricky.

Ok, so a specific culture is formed in the workplace. This culture has been established and solidified by everyones history, experiences (both from personal and work) and values and ethics. This work culture may not be what I am used to but I have to adhere to its norms or else I will be an outcast.

We've seen it before. A new employee comes into the workplace and does not fit in because he does not understand the interpersonal dynamics or the inside jokes that go around. It will take a while before he adheres to the culture and can blend right in or he can choose to be alone and not care about the social aspect of the job.

Its a hard thing. Social realities are created by the members of the workforce. They determine who is who and what is what. They give people power and they take it away. I think a lot of people do not really know that. If they did, I think that they would think differently. If the workforce knew that they really are the ones giving "power" to the individual(s) then they may think differently on how they choose who leads and who doesn't.

A perfect example of this is someone who is "groomed" for a specific position. Because no one questions this and no one speaks up, the reality sets in that a new person is doing a different task, or new task, that would give them some leverage when it comes time for advancement. This may not be the best position for the job but because everyone accepts this as "true" then it becomes part of the reality and eventually everyone will accept it and go along on their merry way. See how it happens?

It can also happen when someone discovers that a procedure that has been done for years is actually incorrect. Because no one ever questioned the procedure or it was never challenged as the correct way of doing it, then it is assumed to be, or must be "true".

Social realities give the workplace meaning.

Leaders, Managers and others in high positions should work toward managing "culture" in the workplace. They should know and understand the social realities that exist. They should know the cliques, the groups and everyone in between and what their role is in the workplace (both socially and professionally).

The ability to manage the emotions, attitudes and ideas of the workplace is no easy task. Its not easy soliciting ideas from people without putting the ideas into action. Its not easy finding out why the environment is turbulent and the mood of the worker is tense or hostile without prying into the lives of the worker. But it has to be done somehow to make things work, right?

Coming back to my original questions, I think that the general public thinks negative thoughts about us because that is what they are taught and that is what experience(s) and history has taught them. Their idea of our culture and our realities exist either from history (hearing it from mom, dad or grandpa) or from experience (waiting in line at the DMV while the clerks take their time or chat with friends---perception?).

Now do I think that that image can be shaped or changed? You bet I do!

Here is my solution: Work toward changing the culture of the environment. Create and encourage staff. Change the social construction to reflect a new and positive future for public service. Involve the staff in implementation and change. Ask. Brainstorm. Encourage involvement. Reward. Praise. Ask. Ask. Ask.

This would be the ideal reality for me.