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Hector Moyo
Comparative studies and competitive advantage are two terms with rich value addition, if pursued with a mind to learn and to progress. As individuals and as a nation we stand to gain tremendously if we develop a keen interest in these two broad areas. Two of the leading figures in these areas are Professors Gert Holfestede and Michael Porter.
I personally do not miss out on opportunities to engage in these worthy interventions. However, it is important to note that in order for there to be maximum learning and gain, one has to have an open mind, ears and eyes, at all times. This way, we can see and seize opportunities for learning new things and practices, as they arise. The thesis for today is that what we grew up hearing, the “when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do” idiom, tended to be used loosely but had some important message.
My generation is a generation that grew up close to the Student’s Companion book. We learnt all aspects of the English language, including idioms (wise sayings), such as the one that forms the title for today’s article. Why the idiom with reference to Romans? For me it is an idiom talking to some form of alignment in behaviour, mostly. An individual (if cultured), was/is not expected to act out of sync in a new place/unfamiliar territory, etc, — they were/are expected to blend well.
One gets the impression that the Romans were very intolerant of deviant behaviours! One thing we know for certain is that the ancient Romans were well known for using swords. Could it be that they always reached out for their swords, whenever there were deviant characters/behaviours, hence it became important to notify all visitors to align or else?
Only the students of history can assist in decoding this idiom, perhaps! The thing to note though, is that the idiom is used in the modern world, only with reference to good things. You cannot use it with reference to bad behaviour/practice- the Lord forbid.
Cut the story short and tell us where you are coming from, a reader beckons me. The background information is that I saw and liked the driving practices on the Mzansi roads, some time back. A slow driver has to allow others to overtake, by driving on the extreme left, almost as if pulling off the road completely.
In turn, the overtaking driver will flick his hazards, to show appreciation for this honorable gesture. This is done by all motorists, whether driving the big five or not! This is a beautiful and respectable practice, I figured out and I have since internalised it, even when driving on our roads. It always feels good to be a respecter of traffic as a driver.
How I arrived at today’s theme
What got me writing today’s article, was seeing a Zimbabwean driver (recently) flicking his lights, in appreciation after I had given him the right of passage, as we drove on the Mzansi roads.
I was amazed at this, and found myself asking myself the question why our motorists only follow these brilliant road practices, when out there? Do these practices not have applicability, on our own roads, I quizzed myself? I began to ponder on the validity of the “when in Rome”, mindset — good practices should certainly not end in “Rome”, I concluded! They should have applicability across cities.
It is about internalising good practices
I argue that the do as the Romans do, thinking is ordinarily a “cut and paste” type mindset, which is superficial, at best. It does not allow an individual to deeply understand why they are being asked to align/conform, hence they are only too happy to abandon/forget the good behaviour, once they are out of “Rome”, as it were! What I am advocating, therefore, is for us all to take things a little further- understand why the “Romans” are doing what they are doing, in other words get to know the value-add of the behaviour. This will help in the permanent adoption/ internalising of the behaviour.
Do as the Romans, in relation to driving on our roads
Why would motorists not want to adopt the practice that I saw on the Mzansi roads, I ask? Driving on our roads has become hazardous in a number of ways. Some motorists no longer respect other motorists on our roads and this has a potential to cause accidents, at worst. It just is not right, period. It just has to start with the few that have seen what good driving is about. In fact, I know that for one to get a licence, they have to have demonstrated maturity at the highest level, I went through the system! What changes after getting the licence? It is an attitude problem, I argue.
Let a wave of changing the attitude of these bad drivers, start with you and me, as we demonstrate how it should be done. Then, and only then are we going to see an improvement of driving practices on our roads, just like I witnessed on the Mzansi roads.
Socially
Is there a good reason why children should behave themselves when the parents are present and then go on to be wild when the parents are out of sight. Is there a good reason why husbands/wives behave themselves only when their spouses are in sight and go on to misbehave, when out there- away from their spouses? Indeed, why do some members in churches only behave well in front of their pastors?
It is all about the concept of internalising things, I argue. A superficial understanding of issues will lead to limited application, whereas a deeper understanding will promote permanency in application — which is adoption.
At work
Is there a reason why employees at work should only work hard when their supervisors/managers are present? It is about production/safety and not supervisors/managers, all employees should understand. Then, and only then, can production be on a sustainable basis.
Take home for the week
Alignment becomes a critical consideration in life. The Bible provides a framework that all of us can use at all times.This framework talks about doing the right things at all times. The do as the Romans do, mindset therefore should translate to doing the right thing always, regardless of where we find ourselves. In sociological terms, we call it internalising things good. Children, respect all elderly people, wives and husbands respect each other, employer/employee, treat each other good, will you!
On this very positive note, it is time for me to rest my case for today. Send your views to e-mail address hecandbe@ gmail.com or sms 0777556081.
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