Education sector
has remained largely stagnant and predictable in its approach to the imparting
of knowledge for some time now. The newer approaches and proliferation of
technological tools in the field of education has necessitated a rethink on the
part of most schools, where there currently exists a top-down approach, with a
centralized decision-making regime.
In the light of
new developments, a realignment of the organizational structure and dismantling
of the hierarchical or process-oriented model, that is basically authoritarian
in nature and tends to stifle creativity, may be desirable. It is no longer
sufficient to concentrate on why we do what we do. The new approach may have to
lay more emphasis on walking the talk.
The value-based
model may have the answers to address the limitations of the existing model,
especially in the light of changes in society. A change in economic conditions
and a corresponding rise in aspiration levels calls for a major change in our
approach to education. Decentralization of authority and decision-making power
may well be the answers we have been looking for where,
● Top level management provides
information of instruction and guidance to subordinates.
● Subordinates in turn provide
necessary instructions to the manager about achieving the goals and solving
problems at work place.
It stands to
reason that, a two way communication provides a greater chance of being able to
contribute solutions to a problem more expeditiously and also help smoothen the
rough edges in the overall performance levels.
When a change in
style of management and approach to work is complemented by a set of values and
principles that are non-negotiable and inviolable, then that organization may
have moved closer to creating an ideal framework that provides answers to most
of the challenges faced by the current system. Let us look at the components
that make up a value-based model.
The characteristics of a value-based
model
● Flexibility:
A structure that is highly adaptive
and flexible to accommodate for an environment which is constantly changing and
evolving with time.
● Tasks
and role are less rigidly defined:
People are empowered and encouraged to think out of the box and be able to take
charge as per the requirement.
● Multidirectional
Communication: People
are encouraged to speak their mind and contribute to the betterment of an idea
with their own thoughts and ideas.
● Work
for greater good: Ignore
personal ambitions and contribute to the overall success.
● Integrity
at all cost: Do
good even when no one is looking. Do your work diligently and conscientiously,
and rewards will follow.
● A
strong sense of personal conviction:
To be guided solely by what is right.
● Going
beyond the call of duty:
To walk that extra mile in all things you do.
● Add
value beyond what is expected: Not
be compelled to stay within the parameters defined in order to add value to the
task, but also making sure that the brief is not exceeded.
● Under
promise and over deliver:
In other words, letting your work speak for you.
The task of
overhauling the current system and adopting a value-based system is formidable
and requires sufficient time as well as a cohesive strategy. A strategy where
initial focus is on desired and sustainable outcomes and improvising depending
on the outcome.
Naturally,
teachers and educators have a significant role to play in ushering in the new
system, because any system - old or new - can only be effective, if the right
people have been entrusted with the responsibility of implementing it on the
ground.
The value-based
system allows teachers to be creative in their thinking and innovative in their
approach. They have the freedom to attempt new methods. The incentive to
succeed is also greater.
And the idea of an
empowered and rejuvenated teaching community augurs well for our education
system.
Given the
advantages and gains of the value-based approach, it deserves to be given a
serious consideration from all the stakeholders.