Wednesday, May 14, 2008 Carvajal: Creativity, not delusion of power By Orlando P. Carvajal Break Point
IT is no coincidence that the more progressive countries are federated states like the US and Germany. The essential feature of these federations is the autonomy of the member states to pursue their own development the best way they can within the framework of a common constitution. The states decide what their specific opportunities are and what hurdles to overcome on the way to progress.
In business, federalism takes the form of the Single Business Unit (SBU) approach. Hence, the big multinational corporations that are surviving have devolved decision-making to their local units who now decide how to attack their markets within the framework of the mother company’s over-arching business philosophy.
There are at least two advantages to this system. One, decision making is of better quality because it is done by people who are closer to the reality of their political or business environment. And two, it promotes a freer flow of creativity from more people whose bright ideas for progress would otherwise be stifled by those living in the dizzying heights of national power centers.
On the flip side of this reality is the Philippines with its centralized power structure. Imperial Manila decides what is good for the rest of the country.
Deluded by all that power, the central government easily loses touch with people on the ground, making decisions for them that are more politically motivated than progress-oriented.
There is no question that the law on local autonomy provided a big boost to local development. But it was just one small step in the right direction.
Shifting to a federal system of government is the next logical big step that will enable us to make longer strides towards progress…for two very good reasons.
One, regions in a federal system will benefit from the free flow of creativity of the local people in government, in business, in agriculture, and in education, instead of being limited by the narrow-minded decision-making of those who control politics and business in the capital. Two, if and when local power-holders get abusive, they would be within easier reach of the people’s watchdog activities.
We feel sorry for the people of Myanmar whose ruling junta has put its political survival ahead of the people’s need for relief aid. Yet we are not really much better off here. Just the same, our inordinately strong single political power center has been, for centuries, making decisions for us with political survival and not people’s welfare basically in mind. We need a more autonomous system like federalism so we can take a more active part in ensuring our progress. Creativity of many not delusion of a powerful few will save the day for us.
