The Simultaneous Corporatization of the WTS and Increased Sense of Entitlement of Members

by daniel-p 7 Replies latest jw friends

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  daniel-p

  One of the ironies of corporatizing your business/operation is that in your search for effeciency and production, you sacrifice employee loyalty as they increasingly see themselves as dispensible parts of a machine where the whole is greater than the parts.

  Before, you were less efficient, but you had loyal workers and people who felt like they were a part of something that valued them. Now, they see the company as a means to get what they want, and a sense of entitlement and resentment takes the place of honor and loyalty.

  The Watchtower Society has been rapidly corporatizing its structure, management style, and policies since the 90s, and especially in this decade. I remember when I first went to Bethel in 2000, and there were more than a few special Bethel talks on how they didn't want to run the organization like a corporation, that they wanted it to be a family. They said this out of one side of their mouth, while giving a completely different impression in other areas, chiefly with the flock on the outside (there is a huge rift between JW Bethelites and average JWs, with the former often viewing the latter as a sort of weak, materialistic, lower class of worshippers).

  I think one reason they were still giving these kinds of talks was that a substantial contingent of middle management (Bethel heavies, bethel elders, etc.) saw how the Legal Department was influencing policy and realized it was in an unscriptural and unloving direction. They wanted it to not be true. But they were swimming against the tide.

  But as the corporatization continues, the rank and file increaingly view themselves as employees, or at least people with RIGHTS who should stand up for themselves. This is inevitable, I think, where the letter of the law takes precedence in a white-washed organization.Eventually, I think, more JWs will be critical of leadership. Think of how much council there is about not being critical of the Governing Body or the elders. This is because a lot of people ARE critical, and it's becmong a growing problem.

  I wonder why?
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  metatron

  Find a laid off Bethelite and tell him the truth: You would be better off being laid off by GM or Chrysler than being dumped by the Watchtower Society. Say this and notice the nervous, shocked laugh that you may observe.

  Corporatism? You mean the 'worldly' tendency to refer to workers as "dead wood" ( as Bethel elders have). Let me tell you, the Watchtower Society doesn't rise to the level of most 'worldly' corporations ethics. Worldly companies are usually very careful not to make any claims that are fraudulent. However, not so the Watchtower Society - which will eagerly take people's money while promising Armageddon Soon! - decade after decade - and even setting dates that prove false.

  They hide behind the First Amendment and cheat people out of their money and labor, no different from Bernie Madoff.

  metatron
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  flipper

  METATRON - Good points. You stated , " They hide behind the First amendment and cheat people out of their money and labor, no different from Bernie Madoff . " Exactly. The only difference between Madoff and the WT society - is the WT society hides behind the alleged respectability of appearing religious. So they don't get challenged as much.

  DANIEL - P - Good thread. I too, have noticed that the corporate WT attorneys are having way too much jurisdiction and input on policy matters nowadays in WT land. I also feel it will come back and bite the GB in the a$$ in time. I feel there are some heavy hitters that might just be behind the scenes using the GB like puppets for their financial endeavors. Of course the typical JW is so mind controlled they would NEVER suspect that ! That's what the WT lawyers count on- the rank and file's gullibility. Bastards
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  daniel-p

  Corporatism? You mean the 'worldly' tendency to refer to workers as "dead wood" ( as Bethel elders have). Let me tell you, the Watchtower Society doesn't rise to the level of most 'worldly' corporations ethics. Worldly companies are usually very careful not to make any claims that are fraudulent.

  I agree with you--in general, the WTS uses its position as a "family" and "religious order" as a means to enforce rules that are far more damaging than a lot of corporate-world HR rules. They are inherently not subject to a lot of regulations that serve to protect worker's rights, but the more they resemble and act like a corporation, the more their members (first Bethelites, then rank and file) come to expect those same rights.

  So my point is, they shoot themselves in the foot while they corporatize operations, policy, and even doctrine.
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  daniel-p

  yep
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  yknot

  In defense of the WTS legal department:

  They are just doing their jobs to protect the assets of the WTS from the crazy lunatics running the asylum!

  It was enevitable too as the years continued to march on.....

  I am not saying I 'spiritually' agree but in a world where the legal reps are 'lawyers first, JW second' it makes perfect sense. I might even float that with legal influencing more we might see the burial of deadly policies like blood, reduction of shunning, and pushes to limit other hinderances that can lead to lawsuit in countries unlike the US.

  At least the legal department isn't emotionally motivated unlike those who have spent lifetimes scratching their way up the WTS ladder.....

  I surmise too that by having a law degree they also aren't afraid to close the doors on the WTS should profit projections dip beyond recovery ......which many here would be joyful to hear.
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  daniel-p

  I agree, yknot, there is bad and good that might come from legalization of policy and doctrine.
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  yknot

  What I do see however is a tightening by those who lead.

  Less Bethelites not only lessen liability but also insider knowledge (enhancing aura of WTS myth).

  Less Bethelites also mean a more shallow pool to gather replacement GB (or other positions)who are uber hungry for the title.

  I wouldn't be surprised if we saw the GB become more 'family run' and those non-family Bethelites being chosen based on how much the congregation sponsoring their limited term (extended stay only by invitation) was willing to cough up for the 'privilege' of having one of their own serving as a Bethelite.

  If I hadn't been de-railed from my theocratic career path......those are some of the suggestions I would propose for organizational efficiency.