Who expects 'Obedience'?......

Obedience, in simple term, is to obey the instructions. Where the instructions are meant for specific conduct in the interest of larger purpose, for example, smooth governance, operational performance and military combat, it is prudent to follow the instructions obediently.

Unlike in Government institutions where the public servants are required to follow the stipulated policies and in military forces where the soldiers are required to follow the commands dutifully, such obedient following may not be a good idea in business organizations.

And absolute obedience may be disaster as we had seen from the story of Lord Ganesha. Ganesha as a child was asked by his mother Devi Parvati to guard the door of her abode and not to let anyone enter while she was taking bath. The obedient Ganesha followed the instruction to the letter and even did not allow Lord Shiva, his own father, to let in and had to face the wrath of Lord Shiva. The naïve Ganesha was beheaded.  

As far as business organization is concerned, it is healthy not to expect employees to be obedient to individuals within the hierarchy, but to align to the organization’s vision and goal.

Business instructions are often fuzzy, dynamic and contextual apart from those defined in policy handbooks meant for smooth functioning of organization transactions. Debates, discussions, questioning are welcome to galvanize innovative ideas, out-of-box thinking, and novelties to sharpen business strategy for staying competitive.

Questioning, arguments are not disobedience but rather inquisitive approach for arriving at consensual decisions enabling business transformation. But here is the catch. One may have different views and opinions during the debates, discussions and meetings, but once the decision is reached and agreed upon, all need to abide by the directional framework.

And there is a big difference between obedience, loyalty and faithfulness; though they sound synonyms, have different connotations especially in the context of business. Let me write about them in next blog………….