Description
The Malaysian Civil Service stepped into the 1990s with a new agenda of profound changes for national development. These changes were in a wide range of administrative improvements in the area of systems and procedures, rules and regulations, structures and other aspects of public administration. Guiding these change efforts is an overarching vision of an excellent Civil Service. This vision provides the direction and injects renewed vigour to meet future challenges. The Changing Civil Service: Malaysia's Competitive Edge by Tan Sri Dato' Seri Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid is a collection of speeches articulating his vision and various strategies and programmes to move the entire Civil Service to the desired future state of excellence. This book highlights the major administrative reforms carried out by the Civil Service to make the vision a reality. It also provides invaluable insights into the leadership function, management philosophies, policies, strategies and approaches adopted by the Civil Service in response to the dictates and demands of the changing environment.
The implementation of reforms in the Malaysian Civil Service was not without difficulties. However, a clear vision and direction coupled with careful planning enabled the Government to implement the reforms successfully. Several key success factors have been identified in this book. Among these factors are effective leadership, active involvement and participation of employees and a value system.
Reading this book, one discerns the strategies used by the author to communicate, persuade, cajole, and inspire the entire Civil Service to be aligned to his vision. These strategies are consensus-building, documentation and dissemination of information, training, follow-up and follow-through and appreciation and recognition.
This book serves as a useful source of reference for those who wish to know how the Malaysian Civil Service transforms itself in its pursuit of excellence. It illustrates the significant role of leadership in steering and shaping the destiny of organizations.
