Session to discuss draft decree on ramping up efforts to combat mismanagement and on toughening requirements to executives

It is impossible to increase the efficiency of any economic sector without eradicating mismanagement, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a session to discuss the draft decree “On ramping up efforts to combat mismanagement and on toughening requirements to executives of all levels” on 12 August.

“One of the most important tasks is improving efficiency of management in all economic sectors. This will be nearly impossible to do unless we eradicate mismanagement, toughen punishment and upgrade requirements to executives,” the President said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko reminded that he had instructed the Presidential Administration to prepare an exhaustive regulation to clearly define the government’s position towards those who allow failures. “We cannot put up with a situation when a flawed mediocre and dishonest executive moves from one well-paid cushy job to another. I have reiterated it numerous times. Today we will discuss how to outlaw this practice,” the head of state remarked.

“It is clear that bungling executives stay afloat because of negative practices like nepotism, protectionism and the practice of covering each other's backs. In the final run, these executives cause a huge damage not only to a company or organization, but to the country in general. People see everything and shift their resentment to government agencies that allow such HR practices,” the President emphasized.

According to the head of state, the reason for it is inadequate accountability of executives for their performance and the choice of employees. This pertains not only to ordinary employees, but also those who cover the back of negligent executives.

The President underlined that specific tasks were set out to the developers of the decree. "Firstly, responsibility of executives at all levels must be strict and personal. An executive shall be held responsible for the overall state of affairs in the area of responsibility or a company starting from occupational safety, order and discipline on the production floor, in the yard, warehouses, and the tidiness of the surrounding areas. For improper performance of their duties a sloppy executive should be held responsible,” Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed.

Secondly, those executives who have failed to deliver should be barred from undertaking decision-making positions. "Introducing these restrictions, including the ban for certain categories of them, is a tough measure. But there is no alternative if we want to establish and maintain order in the country," the President stressed.

He also noted that in 2012-2013 sixteen executives were struck off the personnel pool of the head of state over discrediting activities.  Another thirteen were withdrawn this year. 67 and 26 people were excluded from the national and local personnel pools respectively. "I get reports that the cases of re-appointment of such persons to senior positions in both the state-run and private organizations are many,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

The head of state emphasized: "The point is that a dismissed executive must be banned not only from senior public offices but also high positions in private companies. We often see cases when a person works in the civil service and sets up several commercial structures as an alternative line of business. This is where he can escape and live happily. This means that while in the public service he does not work for the state but for himself. Therefore, we are closing this loophole here.”

According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, such evil practice will not be tolerated in the country. The head of state warned against complicity and re-employment of the people who have failed to deliver. “This applies to all executives, both civil and military, without exceptions,” Aleksandr Lukashenko noted.

“Thirdly, I have ordered to give extended powers to local authorities in matters of appointing officials in their territories. If a new person is appointed to an executive position in the district, local authorities must be involved. At the same time, it is necessary to increase the responsibility of local authorities for the selection of personnel. I strongly warn against the abuse of such powers by local authorities,” the President said.

Fourthly, as Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized, it is necessary to establish uniform approaches to both public and private organizations to eliminate mismanagement and enhance discipline. No exceptions here. All these enterprises that operate in the country employ our people. Therefore, the requirements must be the same for all, the President believes.

Aleksandr Lukashenko asked the meeting participants whether the proposed measures are sufficient so that they would not have to revisit the issue in some time and make additions and changes to the regulations.

The head of state also deems it necessary to toughen requirements towards the employees’ performance.

“Of course, we toughen requirements to executives, specialists. However, it should be borne in mind that executives must have similar authorities in relation to their employees. Even in Soviet times executives were often severely punished while their subordinates were off the hook. These things were especially commonplace before the collapse of the Soviet Union. This did harm the personnel and organization, labor discipline,” the head of state said.

Therefore, Aleksandr Lukashenko deems it necessary to scrutinize the labor legislation. “Equal requirements should be imposed on workers, farmers and executives of all levels,” the President ordered.