University Top Management holds open Discussion on Reform Army
The Ethiopian Civil Service University top management held open discussions with institute and center directors, department heads and team leaders regarding issues related to the concept of Reform Army, problems and challenges faced in the process of building the army, and how it is being implemented at institute and department levels. The discussion was held on February 23, 2012 at the main campus.
Opening the discussion, Dr. Hailemichael Abera, President of the University, said that
" it is natural to face confusions when new ideas are introduced. But what is important is that we accept changes and alter our day to day lives to implement them. "
We cannot bring fundamental changes over a short period of time only with the element of understanding. Genuine changes come only when we truly work together and acts like an army as well as implement what we know.
Dr. Hailemichael also pointed out that we need to see the implementation of reform army in line with the BSC, as the two are complementary rather than competitive. We can't achieve what we plan unless we work and act as an army.
Following Dr. Hailemichael's opening remarks, Dr. Samson Kassahun, Academic Vice President and Dr. Mekonnen Jemaneh, Administrative Vice President of the University, reflected on what they had noticed during discussions held with the academic and administrative wings of the University respectively, specifically on how they are handling the process of building the reform army.
Likewise, all institutes, administrative, academic and management support units reported on how they are handling the process of building the reform army in their respective sections. Accordingly, while some institutes explained that there are still confusions among the staff on the concept, almost all institutes and departments have formed reform army teams as appropriate to their circumstance.
Furthermore, most reported that they are holding regularly scheduled meetings based on the direction given by the university, but a few failed to schedule regular meetings since they are over loaded academic activities. Besides, directors raised their concerns on ways they can handle other committee activities like in the Institute Councils.
In a direction given by the university top management, leaders are expected to play a vital role in the implementation process. Further members of the university community have to understand the objectives they work towards achieving bring attitudinal changes and strive to meet them.
Finally, the university top management said that all institutes, centers and department have to keep on working hard, and the management will consider the issues addressed by the participants. Direction will then be given on how to continue the implementation, and eventually complete the reform process.