It's not difficult to be in a business connection in Jamaica or anywhere else in the world. All we have to
do is comprehend the guiding principles of the partnerships. If we want to excel in the corporate world,
we need to learn how to work inside the organizational structure in Jamaica using a common sense,
logical approach.
Comprehending the Structure of Organizations
Putting groups of objects, people, or entities together logically allows for easier work flow and
completion of tasks. This is known as organizing. There's no need for chaos or dashing around like a
"chicken without its head" when we organize a workstation and everyone knows where to locate what
they need. Everyone is aware of where to look for necessities.
Recognizing the Unity of Command
In a corporate setting that is appropriately organized, the same idea applies. Everyone with a variety of
skills is given the duty to make sure they complete the task at hand. This occurs when department
managers assign tasks based on their knowledge of each employee's skill set. They make sure that
everyone completes their tasks and that the organization moves forward at a set pace. The rhythm is
disturbed if the flow varies or if someone trips over their designated assignment. Since the department
head ultimately answers to the top boss, it is their duty to resolve the matter.
This explains why many business companies have divisions that are set up to complete tasks, assign
tasks, and monitor their completion. As a result, senior management has more time to handle company
issues. Should upper management feel the need to extinguish every blaze within the company, then the
corporate ladder structure isn't functioning as it ought to.
Too many middle management personnel have the power to assign tasks to lower-level workers; as a
result, lines are crossed and people find it difficult to follow directions from so many powerful people. It
is necessary to give the organizational structure and job delegation to people who are well-versed in the
flow and boundaries. This will guarantee that work moves along smoothly, that everyone knows what is
expected of them, and that nobody becomes overworked.
Avoiding Boundaries
This is crucial in any business setting. In the event that a lower-level employee's talents are required,
management should formally request to use that employee from that department. "Since I am
management, I have the authority to use this employee from another department," shouldn't be the
underlying presumption. In the workplace, this form of "authority" will lead to misunderstandings and
occasionally hostility. It detracts from the overall rhythm of the structure and will make the parties
angry.
There aren't many such structured groups in Jamaica. It's challenging for corporations, governments,
and even small businesses to cope with workers in lower ranks. This is a result of the lack of a clear,
"black and white" understanding of how the organization ought to function. There are too many gray
areas, therefore it's important to make someone aware of their positions to prevent confusion. It should
have such a straightforward structure to avoid creating any unnecessary confusion.
Social Charm
The majority of us learned how to be courteous as kids. Saying "please" is how we were taught to ask for
things. When we express our gratitude to someone upon receiving something, they reply, "You are
welcome." Dealing with people who don't know or haven't been taught these basic phrases of common
courtesy presents a challenge.
A few of us were instructed in the art of honoring time—both our own and that of others. It was
ingrained in us to arrive on time for appointments. Being punctual for job, church, and school was
instilled in us. We interpret being on time as showing respect for the person in front of us. We make the
necessary effort to be on time for appointments and meetings because we recognize how important
other people's time is.
Behaving with Social Graces
The same obligations apply to maturing and being able to influence others successfully in social or
professional settings. Being late for an appointment is an extremely impolite and disrespectful gesture.
It is quite impolite to not try to apologize for being late while the appointment is still waiting for you to
arrive.
You will have undoubtedly made the other person lose faith in your ability to offer them any goods or
services you have that you think they might find interesting, especially if it's a business meeting. The
problem is that your disregard for their time will have ruined your prospects of ever getting your point
across. You will have lost a potential client as a result of your disrespect for time. It might even lead to
you being shunned in the business sector as someone who doesn't value other people's time or even
them.
Social Graces and Jamaica
I can now clearly see that a large number of people in Jamaica, including some of the elder ones, have
thrown away the art. We refuse to realize the requirement of being courteous and respectful when
interacting with clients, friends, family, and coworkers, despite the fact that we want to be
acknowledged and even respected in social and professional settings.
Jamaicans have a propensity to disregard others' time. It has no value to them. They frequently arrive
late for social gatherings, meetings, and appointments and bemoan the fact that they aren't attending
any activities that could improve their quality of life. It's important to arrive on time for appointments
you have in professional settings. Time is money. Informing the meeting that you will be late is polite in
the event that you anticipate being late. Either cancel, make sure they can wait a short while, and then
apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Everybody has a smartphone, therefore let's make good use of them! They're not just for chatting!
It's considered humorous among Jamaicans when we are late for a social gathering. In our culture, we
think it's just a "thing from Jamaica." It is not recommended. We have to acknowledge that there are
individuals in the world outside ourselves. They do not consider waiting to be a fruitful life.
Arriving late to church is likewise not recommended. Even though we are aware of the service time, we
arrive after it has begun. But we look on God to provide for our needs and desires on schedule. We want
Him to honor and regard our pleas, but not to waste time on them. Although we are always willing to
forgive, we never express gratitude or regret for our actions, even when they disregard the time of the
Almighty. We question why things don't turn out the way we want them to. The things that are absent
from all of the above are common social graces.
Clothes Code as a Common Delight
Throughout the last ten years, the dress code has changed, and we are aware of our place in the global
community. From a commercial perspective, though, we must acknowledge that we do not exist in a
vacuum. It is no longer appropriate for us to wear our lounge wear to work because the dress rules for
the workplace have shifted from three-piece suits, business suits, and appropriately attired employees.
It's important to understand the dress code before attending an interview. No matter what kind of work
they are looking for, they should never dress casually. If management requests that you wear a specific
outfit once you are hired, then allow them to furnish your work clothes.
I also have to address my personal dislike, which is tattoos. Many people's tattoos have prevented them
from getting employment. Even though they are highly qualified, they would prefer not to have a
representative tattooed due to the organization's portfolio of clients and consumers. It is my opinion
that Jamaica has not made the same progress as certain other global organizations, and let's face it—our
society is set up in a way that makes it acceptable for skilled workers to have tattoos rather than white-
collar workers. If you feel the need to get a tattoo, should you have it somewhere less noticeable on
your body? It will set you up for a fantastic, discrimination-free job.
Social graces and business ties vary depending on where you live in the world. Since most are
connected, it is best to become familiar with the pertinent structures. The cultures of the Caribbean and
Jamaica might not be all that dissimilar. All we need to do is educate ourselves while gaining knowledge
about the outside world.
