Eight ways of knowing that you are working in a GLC

This is meant to be a light hearted article – do not take it too seriously. Also, note that what’s written is not be representative of all GLCs, so don’t get defensive. :-)

Eight ways to know you are working in a Government Linked Company (GLC):

1. Your workplace is all abuzz over a poison-pen letter: Posion-pen letters are common in GLCs and one of most frequently used medium for disgruntled employees/ex-employees to air their frustrations / grouses openly. Just don’t be surprised if the letter/email is about you. No one is spared – not even the CEO / directors
2. Your workplace is all abuzz over an explosive blog article on your co: Another channel for employees / ex-employees to air their grievances….just whisper into any prominent blogger’s ears. Even if no one whispers, a blog article may still appear as any issue (big and small) related to a GLC tend to be played up by the media/politicians/external stakeholders. Don’t be surprised to see a dedicated blog on your company (e.g. GLC Watch
3. You spend a lot/most of your time playing politics: The higher you are in the organization hierarchy, the more “wayang kulit” you have to witness / perform.
4. Oh no, not another consultant: Chances are you will, at some point during your employment period, encounter an external consultant hired by the Co (you can’t miss them – well-paid, polished, speak well, dress well with air of confidence). A friend who worked in a bank GLC said he has met all the management consultants in town – McK, BCG, Bain etc. But the funny thing is nothing ever changes. All they end up with is a stack of “books” which are largely ignored (no buy-ins?)
5. Spend, spend, spend: Even before your company starts earning money (Start-up GLCs tend to splurge on office renovation, expensive company cars etc). Spend (on entertainment, overseas trips, first-class/business class tickets, anything and everything that you can “justify” charging the company for) before the money runs out and in some cases, even after the money runs out – one of the perks enjoyed by the senior management staff / company directors. Meanwhile, the lower level staff is told to save, save, save (no wonder the surat layangs).
6. It’s not all about profit: Worried because your GLC company has incurred losses since inception? Don’t worry – likely, it won’t be closed down – management would somewhat argue that the investment brings strategic value to the country and politicians are too worried about the political implications of closing down company. If it is a private entity, there’s no question as to what will happen. So, the decision-making process is TOUGH in a GLC—one gotta also weigh in the social and political considerations and sometimes, commercial considerations take a back seat. And everyone wants a say (management, employees, politicians, public at large, cabinet ministers, NGOs etc) as to how the GLC should be managed
7. CYA (Cover Your Axx) mentality : Hence, the need for consultants and papers after papers to be written/submitted before any decision is taken
8. Your chairman/director is an ex-politician/ former high-ranking civil servant (or good friends with one)