The Watchtower Society's Corporate Strategy for the next 5-10 years

by yadda yadda 2 7 Replies latest jw friends

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  yadda yadda 2

  Like any big business/corporation, the Watchtower must make strategic decisions and plans for the future to survive and grow. What is the WBTS's 5-10 year Corporate Strategy?

  The current prime directive of the WBTS is clearly expenditure/waste reduction through operational rationalisation. This is apparent from the present focus on reducing bethelite numbers, reducing printing costs, selling its Manhatten properties. This is a natural reaction to a weaker global market and recession.

  The WBTS realises its market is rapidly shifting away from the rich, western world to the third world so it is strategically streamlining operations accordingly. Donations are drying up. One day all printing will be moved to developing countries/the third world. Before too long there will only be one montly public magazine, the Awake. The Watchtower will only be the internal magazine.

  Missionaries, Circuit Overseers and Special Pioneers are a major drain on financial resources. Expect these to be rationalised and even entirely phased out in the next 10 years.

  Costly court claims and settlements is a major concern. The Society will continue to adjust any policy that leaves it exposed to costly and damaging litigation. Expect changes as they relate to the child abuse and blood policies.

  Elders are dropping out in droves and are getting on average younger and younger. Expect an easing of elders duties to make their role less onerous. The change to the bookstudy arrangement was mostly for this reason.

  Youth are leaving in droves. Expect changes to policy/teachings to make it easier for youth to remain, eg, an increasing focus on preventative judicial measures rather than punitive (more reproving and counselling rather than disfellowshipping), and changes to meeting and field service arrangements to make these less burdensome.

  In short, for the next 5-10 years expect continued focus on operational/fiscal rationalisation and a general softening on policy and congregational matters.

  I do not foresee any significant doctrinal changes in that timeframe except minor tweaking/adjustments - only a large drop in publisher numbers would prompt major doctrinal changes (eg, possible large falling away after 2014).

  What are your thoughts on the WBTS's corporate strategic plan for the next 5-10 years?

  yadda
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  straightshooter

  What you stated seems like the logical direction that the WTBS will take in the next 5-10 years.

  Just as an additional note to the easing of elders duties, I think that the reducing of the public talk to a 1/2 hour fits also into the scene.

  The only significant doctrinal change would be the blood policy. I think the day will soon come where the WTBS cannot afford to be involved in blood litigations.
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  metatron

  All solid thoughts. Still, you have to wonder how they can continue once they collectively realize that it's just managed decline. How can they hope to continue based on mere pocket change from the Third World?

  More than that, how can they avoid creating a sudden 'tipping point' based on a collective awakening that they are simply part of a religious business that is fading away?

  The Society absolutely depends on a sort of collective dream and does everything they can to avoid its exposure. I would argue that a long steady tearing down of all the structures they have built over more than a century may trigger an awakening they have not anticipated.

  Imagine how easy a family fight over the 'truth' would become by saying "Well, it's losing money and fading away anyhow, Mom". How could they cope with nearly everyone openly acknowledging their plight?

  metatron
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  Megachusen

  "How could they cope with nearly everyone openly acknowledging their plight?"

  They couldn't. That's why they just hide their financial problems under the guise of end times. Besides, the unwashed masses would prefer not to see the truth of the matter.

  This is a dream that they don't want to wake up from.
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  skeeter1

  Sounds like a business managing a downturn in their business and cash reserves. I think you hit it on the nail.

  But, I also think the Tuesday night meetings had to do with insurance or self insurance (risk management). Can't control householder's homes, afraid of slip/falls, etc.
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  Mickey mouse

  Elders are dropping out in droves and are getting on average younger and younger.

  I disagree. In our part of the world I see the average age of most bodies of elders increasing, most are of retirement age and there are few younger ones interested in taking the baton.
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  NewYork44M

  A "true" believer will see these things take place and say that this proves how close we are to the great tribulation.
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  Johnny

  Implosion from within. The seeds of revolution among its ranks have been planted for some time, and are growing rapidly (as this and other similar websites attest). The Watchtower Society will strive, like a cornered beast, to maintain control through various means (more likely, much stricter controls). But its demise WILL happen. Those in bondage will be set free, shortly.