Publication: Governance and Public Administration (Botswana)
Date
1996-10
ISSN
Published
1996-10
Author(s)
World Bank
Abstract
In 1993, the Government of Botswana
launched a productivity movement to improve civil service
performance. The centerpiece of the movement was the
introduction of Work Improvement Teams (WITs). A WIT is a
group of civil servants from the same work unit,
irrespective of divisional status, who meet regularly to
solve problems, examine improvement opportunities and
develop problem solving skills. It is inspired by the model
in Singapore which in turn is an adaptation of the Japanese
Quality Control Circle. WITs are well established in
Singapore as a mechanism for improving the performance of
the work force in the public sector and have been credited
with the successful implementation of 22,000 improvements in
public organizations. A twinning arrangement between the
Botswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC) and
Singapore's Civil Service Training Institute was
adopted as the instrument for transplanting WITs into
Botswana. WITs can be potentially effective tools for
productivity improvement by helping to establish a mind-set
that seeks: optimum performance, participative leadership
and team work, innovative work styles, strong client
orientation and empowerment of people. However, it will take
an estimated 5-10 years to witness a significant impact on
productivity, with employees themselves, rather than their
management, seeking to actively improve efficiency and the
quality of work-life.
Citation
“World Bank. 1996. Governance and Public Administration (Botswana). Africa Region Findings & Good Practice Infobriefs; No. 09. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/1f030fca-ad94-5196-b54b-9e43ab13f04b License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”