4/2008

Editorial

YHL members’ mutual message to our employers: Let’s plan together and then
implement the plans!

Kerttu Pellinen
Chairman of the Association of the Finnish University and Research Establishment Staff (YHL)

Everywhere in civil service departments, institutions and units, regardless whether they are being overhauled or remain in their present status, strategies for the coming years are fervently being drawn up. In this connection, core duties and priorities are given consideration. The language of strategy is a very particular
kind of language. Generally strategies begin with declarations of the largest, most attractive and most efficient operations in
their field which, even if judged by global standards, will lead to top class accomplishments. It is recommendable to set targets
high although, on the other hand, realism is equally important. Apart from defining targets, a strategy defines the community’s
values. Commitment for the realization of a common target would require an understanding of values and targets as well as
actions resulting from those in every day working life.

It is desirable that personnel strategies are included as hefty parts in general strategies in order to provide a basis for more
detailed personnel plans emphasizing longterm goals in a well-thought out and consistent manner. Quality operations are produced by motivated personnel when the members of the work community each carry out their own duties in order to reach a common objective. When central functions are altered, for example, to match an individual university’s planned emphasis of scientific discipline, quick fixes are to be avoided. Starting the implementation of monthly changing , incomplete plans does not create a picture of an organization capable of strategic planning nor that of sustainable employer activity with which the employer could compete for the competent staff it needs even in the near future.

The employer has decision making power and, therefore, responsibility towards staff. The state’s implemented personnel
policies are excellent and they provide good preconditions for universities breaking away from the state. One of the justifications the universities have given for wanting a more independent status than they currently have is that this would provide them an opportunity to practise better personnel policies than the present ones. We trust that the universities keep their
promises in this regard both now and in the future.

Wishing you all a good end of the year and an even better year in 2009.