I fear that the recession might have accelerated the age of intolerance and ultra conservatism to risk.
Is our new-found enthusiasm for saving versus spending, the resignation of the CEO of HP, and the decision of the Christchurch councillor to quit at the next election over a sandcastle spat symptom of this, or the disease itself?
We seem to be in a time when how things look is more important that how things are, i.e the facts. This is underscored by journalistic minions trolling through the café receipts of elected representatives and their officials to find an ill-gotten coffee, while the reasons for the burgeoning welfare cost go largely unexplained.
It’s now a world where being given a bun with mould on it in a takeaway store is worthy of editorial coverage by our major newspapers
I recall the comments of Philippa Fee at a liability seminar last year organised by Lumley: “There have been in New Zealand a sudden shift in social behaviour reflected in greater demand for accountability, less tolerance, deeper acrimony and a growing appetite for class actions. These behaviours are evident in businesses, consumers, employees and even agencies of government, and there are implications for all forms of public and professional liability. We are no longer litigation shy.”
This was the backdrop to Philippa’s presentation on Directors & Officers insurance, and she counseled that when it comes to liability paranoia is healthy, particularly in times of economic stress.
I hope she’s right, and as economic stress dissolves (economists-assured), these picky traits we are exhibiting are not so deeply embedded in our national character they remain permanent fixtures.
For communicators, these times give us different opportunities to exhibit our issue management skills, so we shouldn’t complain. It’s for Kiwis who’ve prided themselves historically on having a “fair go” attitude that I feel sorry.
But perhaps I’m just paranoid.