IF you are running a business, one of the things of which you need to be certain is the stability of your staff. Is a key worker going to stay on the staff? Has he got a passport? Does he intend to stay with you for the next decade or will he depart your office and, maybe, Hong Kong, when he pockets his next New Year bonus? Is he committed to his career or does he contemplate switching jobs? And if so, when? These are all legitimate concerns for employers. It is perfectly reasonable for any executive or small businessman to ask his staff how long they intend to remain at their desks. How else can an entrepreneur or a corporation plan for the future? It is, likewise, sensible for the Commissioner of the Royal Hong Kong Police to ask his 27,480 men and women about their intentions.
Indeed, it would be irresponsible and would show a grave dereliction of duty if he were not to do so and, come 1997, the major prop of our internal safety suddenly was deserted in droves by policemen hastening to get their retirement cheques and catch the next plane from Kai Tak.
Policemen above the rank of inspector are now being asked if they 'intend' to remain in the force. Those who say they plan to quit within a year will not be promoted.
Quite right.
It would be the height of managerial imbecility to waste public time and money on training courses for officers who are going to hand in their guns, pack up their batons and depart the ranks. It would also be disastrous for morale; how would you like to be the chief inspector passed over for promotion to superintendent knowing that the man chosen ahead of you was soon going to leave Hong Kong? Police Commissioner Eddie Hui Ki-on is handling the issue positively with his customary common sense and good humour. It's a delicate situation and one which could suddenly blow out of control.
This is because there are a number of basic misconceptions about the staffing situation in the senior ranks.