Published on March 24, 2021
I know many people will be rolling their eyes at recent events, the topic of inclusion there are many articles and papers written on the subject, many of which are factually correct, but in my opinion, are hard to relate top day to day life within teams, offices and organisations.
This is not a political piece or an opinion on party political politics, however we have a great example of toxic culture, zero inclusion, bereft of diversity, anarchic systems and no understanding of how to respond adequately; i.e Australian politics.
Whilst we are all appalled by the recent events playing out in Canberra, I don’t know why we have not seen this coming. Any research will show environments that are overly hierarchical, long hours, high job demands, power imbalances and an acceptance of unreasonable workplace behaviours or lack of behavioural standards, and more, lead to environments rich to be exploited by bullies and power lords.
You only have to look at the workings of parliament to see people shouting over people, interrupting, insulting, ignoring, all behaviour which could lead to dismissal in a normal workplace, many will say this is normal behaviour for a healthy democracy and the workings of government, well I disagree and if this is true, it is time for change.
I have 2 other examples, firstly, I was a participant in a government enquiry into bullying and harassment into a particular sector, the hearings consisted of people giving evidence and submissions and the government panel over talking, interrupting often and displaying behaviour the inquiry was supposed to be investigating, I called it the irony enquiry, the second was the press conference when the Prime Minister reacted to a question with an attack on the reporter including details of which he subsequently apologised, the focus became the details that were released when it should have been the reaction and manner of the reaction.
I believe inclusivity is the responsibility of everyone, to treat all people respectfully and with value, this has to be led from the top and everyday people, marginalised groups, staffers to name a few only see a mono culture in power, only see disrespectful behaviour as the norm, don’t see actions and words called out for what it is, then we get what we get.
The old definition of madness is to keep doing the same thing expecting a different response is alive and well, so far, I only hear a few words and no actions and I think those words are off target, real reform would to be to look at the mechanisms that operate within parliaments and say “it’s time to move on, modern society expects a different approach” only then might we see a change in attitude and behaviour
Mal Connellan