What Did I Learn

Mr. Matthew John Graffham

After you have gained particular knowledge of something you perceive the world differently. Not only can you grasp or do something that you couldn’t grasp or do before, but the way you viewed humanity before has vanished for you. This works for the 52074979

diminutive things as well as the bigger picture. If you learn management theories you will never look at your boss in the same light, just as if you discover the meaning of a new word, you won’t be able to disregard it like you did formerly. Consequently it becomes problematical to imagine what it is like for an individual who hasn’t learnt what you’ve learnt. It becomes increasingly more arduous to understand how conditions were perceived previous to the knowledge being gained. Periodically I find myself wishing I hadn’t been given an insight to various management theories. I often feel an inclination of resentment for analyzing the inner workings of an educational institution. These feelings surface when faced with what is now perceived to be wrong, whereas before it was perceived as the norm. These feelings surface more when a situation arises which is out of one’s control.

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Mr. Matthew John Graffham

It becomes increasingly frustrating to have learnt the accurate way to perform a task, or deal with an employee, when the way to perform it is not in your control. When in the role of subordinate one is faced with increasingly difficult situations, due to the 52074979

higher echelons of administration administering with an authoritarian management theory, Douglas McGregor, Theory X, (1960) and in no instance showing an inclination to administer with an effective, participative management theory, Douglas McGregor Theory Y, (1960). Coping with the higher echelons of management ignoring Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, (1943) and thinking that one is solely motivated by money can result in moments of profound unhappiness and regret. If I had never learnt what I now know, I would have continued with my assigned role, without any hesitation or even a second thought as to the style of management or the level of needs that are being satisfied and addressed.

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Mr. Matthew John Graffham

Knowing how to deal with this hesitation and how to conduct one’s self are the characteristics I have had to focus on developing. Living in a society that demands I respect my elders M Redmond, (1998) and especially show the upmost respect to 52074979

individuals that hold higher positions than me, R Benedict, (1943) has made this transition especially difficult. I have had to learn to “Bite-My-Tongue” and deal with my issues internally. Had I not gained the knowledge, I wouldn’t have any issues. However with hindsight the aspects of having gained knowledge even if I have no effect over the areas to administer that knowledge, and the issues that have arisen due to this, are, ultimately, responsible for my greatest growth. Learning how to turn negative thoughts into positive outcomes, viewing my peers and the higher echelons of management in a constructive manner and with compassion, empathy and most of all respect, rather than hatred and discontent, which is so easily plausible, is what I take away from the first half of this semester and will value forever.

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Mr. Matthew John Graffham References

• Maslow, A.H. (1943). A theory of human motivation. Psychological Review, 50, 370-396. M Redmond (1998) Wondering into Thai culture, or, Thai whys, and otherwise.

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R Benedict (1943) Thai culture and behavior-

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www.wikipedia.com/Douglas McGregor's Theory X and theory Y (1960)

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