Addressing bullying
A series of allegations of workplace bullying at government agencies has aroused public concerns. Whatever the result of the administrative investigations, public service ethics have been compromised. It is time to review work procedures in the public sector.
Working under immense pressure, some civil servants take on heavy responsibilities, which can lead to regrettable incidents.
Some people quit even though their job is a so-called “iron rice bowl,” or secure employment. This is why turnover has risen in recent years.
Some people work half-heartedly, then forge work records and are held liable. Some people take their frustrations out on their coworkers and subordinates, which is why there has been a series of bullying allegations.
The administrative sector formulates protocols and regulations to delineate responsibilities and rights, prevent malpractice, pursue consistency, exert internal control and provide a basis for external supervisions implemented by elected officials and watchdogs.
The complexity of the workflow process increases. When the workload is not heavy, standard operating procedures can be implemented step by step, but when workloads are greater, employees might not be able to cope. This can trigger conflicts and lead to overwork. This is why bullying often occurs in “tense workplaces” in government organizations.
After the death of an employee at the Ministry of Labor was linked to alleged bullying by a superior, Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han (洪申翰) announced that the government would halt the “5S” movement — sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain — which originated in Japan.
The announcement prompted extensive discussion. The idea itself is not a problem, as it has positive effects from a managerial viewpoint. The government has arranged time for gender equality, incorruptibility, human rights, environmental protection and information security education, which is necessary, but these can become mere formalities that seem like added work and stifle government workers.
Frontline staff work to the point of exhaustion, but to no avail. They even have to bear the consequences of poor execution and withstand being accused that they are a public nuisance.
It is inevitable that conflicts arise, as well as bullying.
When handling bullying allegations, apart from examining personal factors, it is also crucial to take a look at systematic issues and cut red tape. If work procedures are not changed, old problems would continue despite officials stepping down.
Huang Jui-pei
Taipei
I came to Taiwan to pursue my degree thinking that Taiwanese are “friendly,” but I was welcomed by Taiwanese classmates laughing at my friend’s name, Maria (瑪莉亞). At the time, I could not understand why they were mocking the name of Jesus’ mother. Later, I learned that “Maria” had become a stereotype — a shorthand for Filipino migrant workers. That was because many Filipino women in Taiwan, especially those who became house helpers, happen to have that name. With the rapidly increasing number of foreigners coming to Taiwan to work or study, more Taiwanese are interacting, socializing and forming relationships with
Earlier signs suggest that US President Donald Trump’s policy on Taiwan is set to move in a more resolute direction, as his administration begins to take a tougher approach toward America’s main challenger at the global level, China. Despite its deepening economic woes, China continues to flex its muscles, including conducting provocative military drills off Taiwan, Australia and Vietnam recently. A recent Trump-signed memorandum on America’s investment policy was more about the China threat than about anything else. Singling out the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as a foreign adversary directing investments in American companies to obtain cutting-edge technologies, it said
The recent termination of Tibetan-language broadcasts by Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) is a significant setback for Tibetans both in Tibet and across the global diaspora. The broadcasts have long served as a vital lifeline, providing uncensored news, cultural preservation and a sense of connection for a community often isolated by geopolitical realities. For Tibetans living under Chinese rule, access to independent information is severely restricted. The Chinese government tightly controls media and censors content that challenges its narrative. VOA and RFA broadcasts have been among the few sources of uncensored news available to Tibetans, offering insights
“If you do not work in semiconductors, you are nothing in this country.” That is what an 18-year-old told me after my speech at the Kaohsiung International Youth Forum. It was a heartbreaking comment — one that highlights how Taiwan ignores the potential of the creative industry and the soft power that it generates. We all know what an Asian nation can achieve in that field. Japan led the way decades ago. South Korea followed with the enormous success of “hallyu” — also known as the Korean wave, referring to the global rise and spread of South Korean culture. Now Thailand
RSS