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

We expect our staff to work hard and to do their best.  But what is 'best'. I would contend it is something to do with always being aware of the company's mission, vision and values ands always acting in furtherance of the mission and vision whilst acting in accordance with company values ... and wherever

The UK's productivity performance - as reported by the Office for National Statistics and used in international performance tables- has been woeful recently.  I know I have argued in the past that the measurement scheme seems inherently flawed but that is irrelevant to today's argument. There seems a consensus emerging that the figures are so

Some universities and colleges in the US are now being funded according to a productivity-based formula. Does this make sense? What is the productivity of a university? how is it measured?  Number of degrees per $1,000 of investment? Get it wrong - and universities will play the measurement game - making the figures move in

At a recent Institute of Management Services event in the UK, I was lucky to share a platform with Prof. Colin Coulson-Thomas - -a an expert in corporate transformation. His views (thankfully) overlapped with, and complemented, mine. My 'executive takeaway' of his presentation is that: In high performing organisations, rarely are key business processes carried