Members of Associations Should Exercise More Control
Page 28
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
There is a Tendency in Some So-called Representative Bodies for the Officials to Become Self-centred and Unduly Autocratic
By "Tantalus"
WITHIN the road-transport industry there has frequently been evidence of uneasiness concerning trade associations in relation to the attitude of their paid officials. One.may well ask the question: " What should be the functions of the various association officials as regards their duties, responsibilities and obligations to the membership. by whose subscriptions they are maintained and whose servants they are?" They might profitably adopt an attitude similar to that of the yrime Minister who, in a recent broadcast, emphasized the fact that he, personally, is the servant of King and commoners and, therefore, is in no sense a dictator. In the same way it is the function of association officials to serve the members in the truest sense and not to pose as dictators. I fear that far too often these officers are inclined, to assume dicta:torial powers, instead of seeking to obtain a mandate or some other definite direction regarding policy. This procedure often produces justifiable criticism and dissatisfaction,
Important Functions of Area Machinery
At one time in association history upon all matters of major importance no decision was reached without reference first being made to members through the area machinery. That procedure is vitally important and should Deter be disregarded. It is granted, of course, that the war has brought in its train changed conditions, decreased travelling facilities,. black-out problems, etc., and has generally produced physical difficulties which, in a considerable degree, hate upset pre-war practices. However, there are always means by which difficulties can be overcome and association executives—as well as those in whose hands repose the destinies of iorganizations—would be well advised not to disregard the members' interests. On the contrary, the members should be apprised of all matters of import in 'association politics and control, their approval and support should be sought and, conversely, justified, whilst constructive criticism should be cheerfully accepted. At no time should'
personal likes or dislikes, or their attendant prejudices, be allowed to prevail in formulating principles and policy. One can call to mind far too many occasions in the past when' the views of X. Y or Z have not been acceptable because the sponsor was unpopular or—by virtue of his persistence—was regarded rather as something of a nuisance or crank.
I am fully aware that in expressing these views I may incur the displeasure of some persons and cause annoyance to others. At least I have the satisfaction of knowing that they represent the views of innumerable members who feel that they have been ruthlessly ignored in the past. It is not denied that -meetings of the national councils of the various associations are held and, no doubt, the area machinery operates. There is, however, abundant evidence that a gap — sometimes wide — exists between the areas and the individual member who might, perhaps, be termed the " back-bencher " : and this, notwithstanding the fact that the latter is admittedly the financial backbone without whose support no association could continue to exist.
On the other hand members must also be reminded that they too are not 'entirely beyond reproach. Far too frequently they display an attitude of nonchalance and mental apathy. They fail entirely to employ the medium which they have at their disposal for the expression of opinion and whereby they might usefully assist in framing a policy for adoption by their association. Further, when a considered policy has been adopted they evince little interest in its pursuit or progress. Members must accept and shoulder their membership responsibilities and see, in fact, that their particular organization conforms to their .wishes. Let it always be remerribered that "the man who pays the piper calls the tune."
I would suggest that, in order to afford to every member an opportunity of registering his vote when necessary, the delegate appointed as a member of the national council should represent the members in his particular territory by a block of votes commensurate with the voting power of those members. This pro
cedure would provide the individual member not only with adequate means for expressing-his views, but, what is more important still, of instructing the delegate as to the course to pursue and the action to be taken when attending meetings of the national council. Such a proposal would also be of value in confining delegates to }heir real functions. It would prevent individuals from using their delegated powers to express their personal views and -wishes, as so frequently happens. It must be acknowledged that delegates are much inclined to discuss questions from a personal standpoint rather than that of the members' interests. There is a further advantage which this proposal would provide, and one which any operator who is a member of an association should seriously note. It is this: That before any organization could itself launch or take part in any scheme outside the strict confines of its constitutional functions, the approval of the membership would first have to be obtained.
Keep Members Advised of New Schemes On occasions when new schemes are introduced, members should be informed well in advance of thedetails of such proposals. This would afford due time for discussion.
This raises the' question of the real functions of associations. For example, should time be squandered and expenditure incurred io Connection with schemes of a trading nature? Surely there are already sufficient problems and difficulties directly affecting members which tend rather to increase and which demand the whole time and-attention of permanent association officials. The question has often been debated as to whether associations should cr should not become trading concerns. After—a careful review of the, whole situation, the answer must be in the negative. I submit that associations were created to safeguard and further the interests of their members—providing a service which should be of material benefit as well as affording the maximum degree of protection. Beyond this they should not go.