There has been a debate in Trinidad yesterday about whether workers (and especially their poor attendance) is to blame for low productivity. Trades unions say 'No'. I agree with the unions. In my experience, poor productivity within an organisation is almost always a 'system or culture failure'. Either work is badly organised or the culture

I often say that I have built my career on asking stupid questions. Improving productivity is all about asking questions.  Why do we do it like that?  Who is responsible for this?  Why do it that way? Where should this be done?  Why do we do this at all? However, I have come to realise

India's economic performance over the last 15 years has been exceptional - matched only by China. But history is not what matters - how is India going to maintain, or even increase - growth over the next 10-15 years. Well, it currently performs well in quite a few areas - but not in innovation. its 

Supercar manufacturer McClaren is to create almost 200 jobs in South Yorkshire, UK manufacturing chassis which are currently made in Europe and sent to the UK to form the basis of the assembly process.  Why did McClaren choose South Yorkshire?  Because South Yorkshire (and Sheffield in particular) has a history of investing in Advanced Manufacturing

Australia's Productivity commission has slated the public sector for its poor productivity. Yet when you read the report what it is really saying is that the public sector, unlike the private sector, fails to measure productivity - and therefore is unable to know whether it is moving in the right direction. This seems a little

We are about to enter a New Year.  Many people at this time make resolutions (personal promises) to change some aspect of their behaviour - like giving up drinking alcohol, going on a diet, managing their temper better, or whatever. I suggest that instead of concentrating on the personal, you go external and think about

Data over the last decade suggests that labour productivity has been rising in developed countries but overall (or multi-factor) productivity has declined. This means that people are working harder but 'the system' is letting them down. We have been saying for 50 years that organisations need to work smarter, not harder. Now is the time

When nations establish productivity campaigns and initiatives, one feature is often financial support for companies (snd perhaps  universities and support agencies). Firms are encouraged to apply for grant funding for additional resources or for specific support (for advice and consultancy, for example). Some firms are obviously successful - and some are not. The problem with

Sometimes you hear or see something which really surprises you - and makes you think hard about your existing frame of reference.  Take this which I heard on the radio the other day... A scientist who takes his inspiration for new inventions/innovations from the animal world (sorry, I can't recall his name) suggested that the

I saw a piece recently suggesting that India has to choose between its traditional focus on spirituality and morality - and on modern profit-focused business methods. What say I? I say 'Rubbish!" There is no dichotomy here.  The two are perfectly in harmony.  Indeed I would argue that morality (but perhaps less so, spirituality) is