Worker loyalty

Mar 19, 2011
Fukushima 50 - lessons in worker loyalty

THE extraordinary courage of the Fukushima 50 - the Japanese engineers and technicians battling to contain the nuclear fallout from reactors damaged in the earthquake and tsunami - offers lessons to Singaporeans.

One important factor behind the dedication of these workers is Japan's collectivistic corporate culture that values loyalty and ensures long-term employment security. This is in contrast to the American model, which is characterised by individualism and short-term profitability.

These values are reflected in the salaries of senior executives: CEOs in Japan are rewarded far less than their counterparts in the United States and Europe.

While the Japanese corporate culture has often been criticised for breeding conservatism and inertia, and for rewarding riskaverse senior management, it has also fostered an exceptional sense of team spirit and commitment that transcends short-term gains. This sense of esprit de corps is evident among the Fukushima 50 workers, and it is through them that the best of Japan Inc is being shown in these harrowing times.

Singapore Inc has been moving towards the US model with its emphasis on rewarding 'top talent' generously. Over the years, we have been seeing increasingly disproportionate levels of remuneration for senior executives in contrast to workers down the line who have to face the prospects of redundancy and wage reduction in tough times.

Also, given the ease of replacing local staff with foreign labour, Singapore Inc risks being turned into a mercenary, alien and transient space peopled by workers with little sense of belonging, loyalty and commitment that is found in the Japanese worker.

Liew Kai Khiun

Quote: http://singaporemind.blogspot.com/2011/03/fukushima-50-lessons-in-worker-loyalty.html

Read this in HWZ forum, its describe closely to what i feel right now. Currently working with a group of india indians, full timers, while i am working as a contractor on a 6 mth basis. Its difficult to be the minority, feeling alienated. All i care was to finish my overloaded task and going home on time.

Its a tough time for me...having no relevant experience in this new role, its like starting from scratch. I feel like quiting, I couldn't stand the smell of their natural perfumes, I couldn't take the nonsense of my immature bossy boss...its bad coupled with the overwhelming work which i will almost definitely do OT everyday..without claiming OT....

According to a senior who work for 10yrs in operations, she say, "its the same everywhere u go" strikes a reality to me...if i am to purse this line, i have to get use to it...

I can, but my colleagues n boss are bad enough...its tough...hope there will be some hope for me in my career path.

I feel no loyalty to this company, just a contract, with benefits given to the foreigners, higher pay. if i have better opportunity, i will leave without looking back.