THE EDITOR, Sir:

FOR ALL those Jamaicans who want to emigrate to the United States (US) and do not have much more than their skills to sell in our labour market, I have a lesson to teach and a story that should open their eyes to a truth they may not have considered. It is a true story and an important lesson.

Coming from a 'developing country' like Jamaica, a mid-level manager I recently encountered used the management technique of berating and bullying the labourers over whom had supervision, who were also from the same or neighbouring countries as he was.

His employers, seeking only the outcome of success in their endeavour, allowed this to continue unchecked in the growth and development of their business, believing that this was acceptable and the norm in the countries from which they came.

Slavery

This model, many of you must surely recognise, has been duplicated, no doubt, many, many thousands of times in many, if not most, small- to mid-size companies in First-World and Second-World nations today. Unfortunately, it perpetuates in different guise the same slavery that existed in the colonial era of development in the New World. In similar cases, it is well known that many such mid-level managers extort kickbacks from their subordinates as a reward for employment.

The ethic involved here is little more than exploitation. It is the same type of work ethic often found in developing countries. In such situations, labourers are treated like animals and given as little salary, benefits and rewards as possible.

Little more is expected of them than a bare mi-nimum of performance. Pride in their work is not appreciated and little tolerance is given for helpfulness or self-development. In short, they are treated little better than a modern form of slave.

Worst characteristics

Under such conditions today, employees develop the worst possible characteristics. They become reluctant to change, resentful of authority, and responsively lazy. Turnover is high. Training is constant and skill development suppressed. Material abuse and waste, dishonesty and employee theft are persistent problems.

I believe the ignorant perpetuation of this form of work ethic is responsible for many of the worst ills of society today - for much of our crime, corruption, and the perpetuation of hopelessness among the poor. Unless we change this situation and eliminate these ultimately unproductive, un-Christian, and inhuman conditions, both here in the US and around the world, we will inevitably destroy our societies, our nations and, ultimately, ourselves.

I am, etc.,

Ed McCOY

mmhobo48@juno.com

Bokeelia, FL

Via Go-Jamaica