In Need of a New Paradigm
Current Pattern of Employment:
By: Dr. Sina Kahiman
Current Pattern of Employment: In Need of a New Paradigm
The current pattern of employment is based on a set of assumptions, concepts, values and practices (current paradigm) which are mainly looking for self interest, with a competitive, materialistic attitude based on individualism, postmodernism pluralistic and atheistic approaches which do not consider the spiritual aspect of human nature as the main part of one’s being. This essay will try to search some Bahai International Community (BIC) statements and say that the current form of employment needs an essential revision in the form of a new paradigm (ref.2). As time goes by humanity passes through different stages (Ref.4, Turning point of all nations; page: 3/16). Nowadays we are experiencing another transitional stage (Ref.2, The search for Values in an Age of Transition; Page: 1) toward an international interrelationship and unity which requires a new paradigm to “constitute a way of viewing reality”, including employment as one of the realities in almost every individual’s life. The definition of a paradigm is “A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality” (Ref.2). Education, legislation, governance, human rights, housing, leisure, recruitment and employment are a few examples of realities in mankind’s life. BIC states that there is a necessity to have a truth-seeking dialogue between Science and Religion as two different complementary and not contradictory sources of knowledge, similar to the two wings of a bird; otherwise this paradigm cannot be understood (Ref.s1&2). First, this article will explain the foundation and principles of this new paradigm. Then it will mention a few points regarding governance and legislation. Next, this paper will look at some different forms of the current pattern of employment and then it will discuss what effects this paradigm will have on these forms of employment; as the results of the new paradigm on employment have been monitored and analysed.
Foundation and Principles of the New Paradigm
Every paradigm needs to explain human nature and subsequently the needs and rights of humans are at its foundation (Ref.1). BIC states that human nature has two different aspects, the material or organic aspect of one’s life, which is mortal, and the non material or spiritual aspect of one’s life which is immortal (Ref.s1&2). The first one has its own needs, such as shelter, food, rest, hygiene, health, safety, etc, which has to be fulfilled as a part of everybody’s human rights; moreover, as a means of spiritual actualisation. The second one, which is spiritual and the main aspect of human nature, has its own needs such as human (arts & science) and spiritual (truth-seeking, moral) education beyond physical education, working either paid or unpaid with the spirit of service, trying to create love, peace and unity between all members of humanity as members of a worldwide family, etc. All of these potentialities have to be actualised, to be able to continue one’s immortal spiritual life in a mature spiritually not handicapped way. Some values in the context of employment based on this paradigm need to be emphasised, such as cooperation rather than competition (Ref.1); creativity and spirit of service to all humanity at any kind of work.
There are two main principles of this paradigm: the first one is the physical unification of the planet, the “World is but one country” Baha’u’llah says “and mankind its citizens” (www.bahai.org). The second one is the unity of mankind, (Ref.s1, 2, 6 & 7) which should not be mistaken for uniformity; as it dignifies diversity and believes in “Unity in Diversity”. As “God is one,” BIC states “man is one, and all religions are one” (www.bahai.org). It tries to make clear that unity and justice are indivisible. Meanwhile Justice is achievable with the help of appropriate consultation for decision-making with the aim of seeking the truth in mind, and then putting the final decision into practice. Everybody should be welcome to express their point of view freely, kindly and politely and play their role as much as he can in the new world order which is in harmony with this new paradigm.
According to this Paradigm every individual is considered as a cell of the body of mankind with the earth as its homeland (Ref.1). They all work in an organic, cooperative, sacrificial and united way. But of course they each perform very different and diverse jobs according to their varied talents, potentialities, and interests. Each individual’s job should fulfil their material and spiritual needs, as they serve all mankind, and take care of their homeland (Ref.1). In this paradigm, planet resources are used efficiently, carefully and will be kept sustainable for the use of future generations (Ref.s1&2). No job, recruitment or work of any kind will be allowed by law if it harms the prosperity of mankind or causes the degradation of the planet.
At this stage of humanity’s life we are witnessing unimaginable scientific and technological progress, and some well-advanced international, continental and national organisations are emerging (Ref.4). However there are too many unresolved problems, such as worldwide unemployment, poverty, unfair wages, the ever increasing gap between poor and rich, moral corruption and the lack of spiritual satisfaction at work (Ref.s2&6). These issues require a new set of rules and regulations to be enforced by an appropriately elected body.
According to this paradigm, all laws in relation to employment should be legislated with a real understanding of humanity’s material and non-material nature and should, furthermore, consider all humankind as the citizens of one country (Ref.1). Legislation is based on consultation with the aim of seeking the truth for the prosperity of humankind rather than the competition of ideas (Ref.1). An appropriate governing body, to enforce these laws with the purpose of caring for the human rights of everybody and the resources of the planet in a sustainable way, needs to be elected. In such an election, nomination, candidateship, propaganda and partisanship would be abolished. Manipulation, verbal abuse, aggression, opposition, and power hunger also has to be eradicated (Ref.s1, 2, 4&6).
Clearly it is possible to see that the current pattern of employment will be viewed essentially differently and revised completely due to this new set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices. A new set of legislation and a very different attitude to governance in relation to employment will be formed and will be enforced by a world-wide, democratically elected government. This is the only way to be able to guarantee the usefulness of all kinds of work and employment at the local, national and international level, and at the same time to be environmentally friendly and keep the planets resources sustainable for future generations.
Results of this New Paradigm on employment
Every individual is considered precious and the main source of material and spiritual wealth. One can work to fulfil the material needs of mankind such as food and housing but at the same time help to serve humanity, thereby uniting with others and so being happier, more able to grow morally and spiritually and more able to investigate the truth independently.
Since “Man is One” all sorts of discriminations and persecutions must be stopped (Ref.1). Everyone should have access to knowledge and skills, and be able to gain experience no matter which part of the earth he is living in (Ref.1). Since he would consider himself responsible toward the whole of humanity and would try to work and serve mankind, he should also be considered a trustee of the whole of humanity and his material needs must be fulfilled, and he should be able to realise his spiritual capacities for the sake of himself and his worldwide family (Ref.1). It follows that if someone chooses to be idle and not responsible for the whole of humanity, then he is also not considered a trustee for the whole of humanity as he has opted out of the agreement.
This Paradigm helps us to view employers, employees, consumers and all members of this worldwide family as co-workers who love to help and cooperate with each other. Everyone’s interest, welfare and happiness are in relation with others’ wellbeing, advantage and benefit (Ref.7).
At this stage of globalisation through the scientific, technological, information and communication outburst, there are a myriad jobs and recruitments that may not serve humanity as a whole and take care of the earth as one country. One side-effect of the current pattern of employment is, actually, unemployment, which hinders millions of people on earth. They not only suffer to meet their necessities of life but also lose opportunities to serve mankind to unite people, live in peace and, through self actualisation, grow spiritually. An example of employment which does not serve humanity is false employment, which is a form of working and making money which is inefficient. It is a way of earning money based on egoism or individualism regardless of others real advantage. Useless bureaucratic work, share industry, property and goods trade just as a middleman without doing anything beneficial to serve others. Destructive employment is also unfortunately common. Similar to other features of employment it can be structured or unstructured; self employed or not; follow the rules of the land or be illegal. It may take a different shape in different countries. Terrorism, war activities, mass-destruction/weapons production, drugs, alcohol, the cigarette industry and many other kinds of trafficking are just some examples through which millions of people make extremely large amounts of money, while at the same time damaging human civilisation and wasting the earth’s resources. Abusive employment is a form of modernised slavery which is common in the black market. It can be seen at the international level in the form of using cheap labour in order to compete. Nowadays the concept of fair trade is, fortunately, developing; however since it is not based on this new paradigm it is not as efficient as it should be. World-wide employment is not working in harmony, and is therefore inefficient. Geographical and cultural differences and resources could be prioritised for different kinds of industries. It would save lots of manpower and resources, and would reduce useless transportation at the international level. This has been done by many governments at the national level since the rise of the nation state and it has made industry much more efficient; it now needs to be implemented at the international level.
This essay has shown that the current pattern of employment needs to be revised fundamentally otherwise the prosperity and wellbeing of mankind is unachievable. This new paradigm would help us to have a better understanding of the meaning of our human nature and our needs and rights; therefore enabling us to work with a spirit of service and help ourselves and others to cooperate and fulfil the material necessities of life. It will help mankind to use his own and the planet’s resources a hundred times more efficiently and fulfil all humanity’s material needs very easily. Once these material necessities are fulfilled, we need to work hard and grow from a human and spiritual point of view. This paradigm implies a new way of viewing all kinds of realities not just employment as an isolated one. Although this essay has focused on employment, the paradigm considers all different aspects of human life unified similar to a very complicated organic system (Ref.s1&2).
A critic might consider this paradigm as something unrealistic, impractical and unachievable. BIC at its early stage of development claims that it is already the only world wide community that has been formed from a real cross section of humankind. It works according to this paradigm and is therefore a unique existing model. It invites people of thought to come and study the community as a whole, without any kind of prejudice (Ref.7). So if what BIC is claiming is true then the paradigm is realistic and achievable. BIC believes that moving toward this paradigm is like a process, which strategically has to be planned. This is a time-consuming but gradually achievable goal. It requires lots of endeavour, sacrificial world-wide work and service with appropriate vision and will-power.
References & Further Readings
www.bic.bahai.org/
Bahai International Community (BIC)-Statement Library
1. The Prosperity of Humankind, 03/03/1995, Haifa Israel; p. 21
2. The Search for Values in an Age of Transition, 2006, p.34
A study guide to the statement of BIC www.bic-un.bahai.org/06-0701.htm
3. A New Framework for Global Prosperity, January 2006, p. 4
4. Turning Point for All Nations, October 1995, NY, USA; p.16
5. A Bahai Declaration of Human Obligation and Rights, February 1947, Lake Success, NY, USA, p.4
www.reference.bahai.org/en/t/uhj/
The work of Universal House of Justice (UHJ)
6. Century of Light, Bahai World Centre, 2001, p. 165
7. The Promise of World Peace, October 1985, p.14