The Human Factor in Management

Sixteen years ago when I was a graduating student at a local university in my country (Sudan). I was asked to complete my final graduation project in cost of inputs and profitability. I visited my former professor at his new office, where he was appointed as a CEO of a local textile factory – Alhuda Textile. He left his job as a professor of "Organizational Behavior" to try re-opening the factory that was closed down. The main reason for its closing was it wasn't making any profits; in fact, it was losing money and the employees had left.

Dr. Elsir was able in 9 months to re-hire all the former employees and to get the factory achieve 100 percent profits. In 15 months it was the most profitable textile factory in the country. When I visited him, I found him sitting on the carpet, drinking coffee and chatting with the "door keeper."

I told him: "Dr. Elsir, I know that you have rejected a lot of TV interviews and meetings, and probably you hate talking about your achievements, but I was your student and I am trying to get this graduation project done. Tell me, please, how were you able to do what you have done?"

He said the following:
“Mamoun, it was all in the last class I gave you, Organizational Behavior II. I appreciated and rewarded who deserve appreciation and "politely" criticized and corrected those who need to be corrected. Most important, are the words of appreciation for those who do or try to do a good job. I talk to them as my friends and tell them that this company is yours. If it succeeds you will get more rewards and job security; if it doesn't, we will all go home. That's it. I don't have any secret magics or more money to invest. I invested in the ‘Human Factor.’”
When I left him, I decided to change my graduation project title to "The Human Factor in Management.”

Mamoun Zain
ECPI College – March 2005

Arabic Forum