My supervisor, my supervisor’s manager, the person who will publish my article and sometimes the director - these are the usual levels of people that I have to go through after I have written a media release. Verifying and checking are always important, especially in the government sector.
An appropriate word to describe this situation is bureaucracy. Sometimes it is a waste of time and a headache. Last week, while filling up three forms for my company to get listed in a community directory, it took me more than 10 hours to complete the task. Apart from getting approvals, which is a must, I have to arrange a suitable time to meet up with the approvers and discuss with them.
But hey, if we look on the bright side, there are some good reasons behind it. One of the obvious ones is it ensures consistency and maintains qualities. Every of my work is being scrutinised to make sure it follows the company’s standard. Sure it may be an impediment to my individuality, but as an intern, I guess this is what we’re really here for, to learn rather than to show off.
Bureaucracy indirectly helps me to learn time management. While waiting for approvals, I need to learn how to use my time more effectively. As I only work a few days a week, I need to schedule deadlines for all my works according to the company’s operations. Deadlines in turn ensure efficiency and prevent procrastination.
I think this is also a way to learn how successful companies build up. Without bureaucracy, my burgers in McDonalds won’t taste the same every time.
But for me, the most rewarding part of being in a bureaucratic workplace is it creates a sense of importance to you. Imagine this, you, an intern’s work catches the attention of every level of people in the company.
Will be posting more soon.
2 comments:
Hello Hin!
It seems like your workplace environment is very stressful and pressurizing. There is a lot of procedures in everything you do and you must report back to your supervisors all the time. So unlike my workplace where it is more laid back.
Apparently, this task of getting approval might actually do you some good by networking with these approvers. They might be a useful connection for you in the future.
In regards to time management, I reckon this is one the more important things you should learn. Currently, I am juggling between school work and work as well and this makes my life so hectic and stressful. Not only you have to worry about finding the time to finish your school assignments, you also have to find the time to do your work as well as time to socialize. So far, I have been sacrificing my social life for the assignments. Guess I have to improve my time management skills.
Anyway, good luck and have fun for your remaining internship!
Hi Hin,
I understand your mindset completely! I work in a similar procedures-minded company myself, however the reasoning as you say for all of it, is conformity.
As our head office is based in Europe, almost 20000 kms away and being present in 130 countries as well, we need to make sure that we are all "on the same wave length" so to speak.
Majority of the time procedures make it easier to do the job, as basically explains how and what to do. For example we have a list of approved hotels around the world with set accommodation rates. This eliminates the need to check not only on different hotel websites but also negotiate prices.
However I feel I'm quite lucky in my job, that I can be quite open to management if I feel a process is unnecessary or can be improved on - through the correct avenues of course.
At the end of the day - it's all a learning experience!
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