What can Ubuntu mean for Dutch companies?

By Sylvia Tallam

The earlier blog suggested that Ubuntu, an African philosophy has a positive impact on business. It is perceived to bear fruits if embraced by organisations. According to the blog, the current financial crisis is attributed to little corporation between the companies and its employees for a common organizational goal.

A solution could be found by borrowing Ubuntu aspects. An in-depth look at the philosophy can mean we are like a thumb (Mbigi 1995; 111): in order to work effectively we need corporation with the other fingers. A thumb symbolises the company while the fingers symbolise the employees. There is need for employers and employees to assist each other. Practically, there is need for corporation and being open to collective forums in the organisations.

The following African philosophy aspects can be helpful for organisations to be successful:

The first aspect is contribution. Every employee brings in something that the organisation needs. Therefore it can be effective if everyone contributes in decision making and in daily chores of the organisation. It is important to consult employees on decisions that will affect them. On the contrary, most companies make decisions with less consultation. It is good to give everyone room to present their views. This can boost organisations sensitivity.

Secondly is the aspect of mutuality whereby every member benefits in the organisation. This can best be well described as creating a win-win situation. An organisation can benefit from employees while employees benefit from the organisation, the partners can also benefit from each other in a joint venture. ‘I need you, you need me and at the end of the day we all benefit’. An organisation can also share its benefits; this can be done through profit sharing and establishment of a reward system whereby good performances are apprehended.

Commitment is the third aspect. Everyone has different obligations in an organisation and aims at achieving a common goal, just like a thumb and its fingers. This is actually a common thing in almost all organisations but Ubuntu emphasises for the reason that ‘you must work to eat’; hence you must be committed to work. It is important to encourage every single person in a company to work hard for success.

Finally, a supportive environment is built whereby alignment becomes possible. Employees enjoy working when their areas of expertise and personal interests tally with their roles in an organisation. At this point organisations will be able to retain its employees for long, gain more responsibility and thus more profits and business expansions. Many times, employees whose personal values are aligned to those of the organisation tend to be perceived as the best performers.

Let’s give this philosophy a trial and achieve success!