[Ailist] Positive Core of America -

[Roger Davies]

Hi John,

It certainly is something that cannot be ignored. Short termism (if that's a
word) is a problem of our age (and maybe human nature). We have over spent
because money that doesn't exist has been made available to us in the form
of credit. Increasing credit artificially increases the size of the market
by spurring demand, which in turn spurs a rise in costs. A certain amount is
sensible but too much leads us to where we are today. I do get worried when
I hear the phrase 'we must get credit flowing again' as it seems that those
with the ability to pay can still get credit.

Equally worrying to me from a business perspective is how information
technology and current practices of goal setting linked with employee
compensation drive short term thinking. In many organizations failure to
meet even one of this year's goals can result in an individual missing out
on bonus or promotion and becoming demotivated. Goals and accountability are
important to give motion and direction to an organization but I fear they
are often misused. When this happens they force an individual to make a
choice between meeting their goal or doing what is right for the long term
health of their business. There is a pervading short term cost reduction
focus that, whilst important, is not adequately balanced by a longer term
value generating one.

To me these are questions of responsibility (personal and social). What
drives responsible decision making? Why does an employee choose to fake
illness rather than attend for work? Why does a CEO collect several million
dollars in bonus but lay off 100 employees or stop investment in future
technologies? Why does someone use credit that they have no realistic hope
of paying back the next month? Why do credit companies continue to lend to
people who only make the minimum payment each month?

I envision a responsible world as being a celebration of many cultures, full
of liberty, low taxes, support for the disenfranchised, entrepreneurism and
a whole lot of caring and intellectual conversation. In my view a very rich
world in all respects. 

Thank you for bringing up the point. We do need to appreciate the
opportunity to talk about the less positive things that affect us all.

Roger

-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of John Loty
Sent: Tuesday, March 03, 2009 6:31 PM
To: Capela2 at aol.com; robyn at litglobal.com; ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
Subject: RE: [Ailist] Positive Core of America - 

Hello fellow AI practitioners,

Broadening the perspective to include the whole world (in addition to
America) why is it that we accept that the for profit companies cannot
(currently do not?)take into account as the way they do business the longer
term effects of all that happens - Is it because we as individuals do not
take the long term view - buying things we cannot pay for now  (using
credit) as if it were some divinely appointed right.

The individuals (you and me) that work and influence our culture (wherever
we may be) have (in my view) the power to bring about change for the better
but we always seem to be looking to some form of big brother/sister
(government/organisations) to start and carry this forward.

Right now the world seems intent on loading our grand children and their
children with massive debt just so we can continue on in total ignorance
that we have over-spent -- way way over-spent. ??

We are starting to understand that environmental issues are critical because
they are about the longer term - isn't the longer term effect of our
spending (forget about saving) also just as important?

I know this is not very appreciative but doesn't it need to be said,
discussed and understood?


John Loty
Appreciative Inquiry Advocate, Facilitator and Consultant

Director
Logistics Training International 


  
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-----Original Message-----
From: ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu
[mailto:ailist-bounces at lists.business.utah.edu] On Behalf Of Capela2 at aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, 3 March 2009 7:55 AM
To: robyn at litglobal.com; ailist at lists.business.utah.edu
Subject: Re: [Ailist] Positive Core of America

 
In a message dated 3/1/09 4:19:04 PM Eastern Standard Time,
robyn at litglobal.com writes:

What are  the best and highest qualities that represent America's "positive
core"?
What areas offer America the greatest possibilities to bring  about justice,
equity and equality?
And, in 10 years, how would  we like all global citizens to perceive us?



The best and highest qualities that represent America's core is that most
individuals truly care about those who are in need.
 
The areas that offer the greatest possibilities to bring about justice,
equity and equality are the non-profit agencies that have dedicated to
helping those who are in need. These agencies, who serve the poor,
individuals in  need and individuals with developmental disabilities, do not
make a great  deal of money but in their own small way bring joy and comfort
to those they  serve. 
These individuals have dedicated their lives to making sure they make a
difference and don't expect anything back except an occasional thank you
from  their supervisors.
 
10 years from now, they know that even though the US is not perfect they
will always do the right thing in the ned and that it may take time but they
learn from their mistakes.
 
Stan Capela
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The Appreciative Inquiry Discussion List is hosted by the David Eccles
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administrator. For subscription information, go to:
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