The first proposition to separate the fields of politics and public administration was made during the late 1880s by Former US President Woodrow Wilson. President Wilson said that the administration as a field of business must be removed from the hurry and strife of politics to allow public administrators to effectively run their administrative functions; a dichotomy which up to date remain to be fictional.
In life, politics is inevitable, be it in office, family or among friends. Office politics are defined by self-interests and agendas that run ahead of business goals. In The Gambia, politics have infused into administration so much so that it has undermined the efficiency of services rendered by public institutions thereby eroding integrity and reliability. Management is ready to sacrifice success to look good or to maintain control. What we do not seem to realize as a country and as institutions is that, office politics is making our BEST PEOPLE quit! Yes! You heard me right! It is actually not lack of jobs that is causing brain drain in this country but rather the finger pointing culture, mind games, manipulations, setting up people to fail and creating environments where honesty is considered to be a threat, thus demotivating best talents!
In strong companies, best ideas win. But, in weak companies where nepotism and favoritism thrive, politics win. Workers in such environments operate by pressure not by inspiration nor by support due to micromanagement and excessive control. Responsibility avoidance is common among insecure leaders who as a result tend not to share relevant information in order to maintain control. It actually doesn’t make any sense putting someone in a decision making position yet withholding relevant information which he/she needs to make informed decisions. Nor does it make any logical/business sense hiring a smart, skilled and professional person yet tell them what to do and how to do it. Simply because when they do things creatively, their great performances might seemingly expose your incompetences. As a result, you unwelcome innovative or best ideas, and strongly resist any change that could positively help achieve organizational goals, as long as it’s not coming from you, the boss.
If truth be told though, the difference between politics and administration is really hard to tell as the former heavily influences the latter. This is simply because man is a political being. Nevertheless, since this dichotomy is implausible, it can however be controlled to an extent by setting up strong institutions and effective systems that make ensure checks and balances are in place. This is usually not the case in many African countries, most definitely not in The Gambia; at least not in the near future.We are losing our BEST BRAINS in this country because of the blatant displayed of toxic political cultures as loyalty, talents and hard work are not appreciated and or rewarded according to ability. Instead honesty and integrity are punished. How Do We Change This As A Country?
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Good post. I’m dealing with a few of these issues as well..|
Not only in The Gambian that you have politics eroding the efficiency and efficacy of administration but in my country also. Politicians have even made things worse as they care more about present gain and not bother about what happened later, I and the hands of public administrators have been pocketed that they hardly can do nothing. But until we all rise to the challenge of impacting long legacy into the life of our politicians to see into the future rather than all there fire brigade approach to issues, I things may never change.
You are on point!! Our society needs to awake from the slump sleep. The world is moving and yet still our country does not seem to be on track with the rest of the world in regards to leadership, management , capacity and nation building. Many people are short-sighted and have little or no regard for the common good of the society . Our attitudes and mindsets have to change for the country to move in the right.
What an article. It’s absolutely spot on. This is exactly what is going on in every office in The Gambia, being public or private. It’s like many cannot even understand that they are doing office politics. They sometimes tend to believe that it’s a normal thing to do. That is why it’s almost impossible to eliminate it. Maybe the next generation may be doing a better job. Looking forward to the home politics piece. Thanks
Politics do what is best for them not what is best for the country.. amazing work sis!! Love you
“In strong companies, best ideas win. But, in weak companies where nepotism and favoritism are blatantly displayed, politics win.” I couldn’t agree with this more. Office politics will always result in failure in most cases. If a group of people are given a project based on who you know and not what you can do, the best result will never be achieved in most cases.
How do we set up the strong institutions? can the young people start the movement of setting up strong institutions? I am still in doubt as to how we do this… because most of us the young people wanna have a successful life and we need it to happen very fast, thus affecting our integrity in public institutions as well.
Yet as you pointed out, the few that are ready to carry on the institutional change quits. I think they should stop quitting and push it to the last stop.
I couldn’t agree more with you. It is a sad reality among young people of today’s generation, hastiness in virtually everything. Perhaps my next article should talk about this as it is wrecking even homes.
We ought to indeed change our definitions of success as youths. As for institutional change, I think it should first begin in our homes. If we can manage affairs in our homes judiciously, then we can manage people even under undesired circumstances. That’s my opinion
Politicians have no love for their people. They tell lies to win votes so they continue to lie and that affects everyone.
A good article it is.. attitudes must change
Excellent, objective and articulately written Aisha. Very true and poignant points highlighted.