Washroom Hierarchy A Reflection of an Organizations Culture

I am sure most people who read the title might not like it. But it is certainly important to understand
what it means in the context of organizational culture particularly between employees and their bosses
in general. It reflects openness and transparency in the organization, equality and sense of
belongingness among the employees of different levels between themselves and also with their
managers.
First, let me brief about what the washroom hierarchy is. In some of the organizations I have personally
seen, the hierarchy starts from decorated elevators that are reserved only for the top executives and
managers. Exclusive walkways and entry are clearly prohibited for other employees and one cannot
enter into these even by mistake, which will be viewed as a serious breach of organizational hierarchy.
Exclusive penthouses will serve only the top executives and there are canteens for other employees.
Even in the dress code, uniforms are must for all except managers and executives above certain ranks in
the organization. Interestingly, when a high-ranking executive enters the smoking lobby, all others who
were smoking will put off their cigarettes and go away and the same happens when a top executive
enters the common washroom. Perhaps this explains well the real meaning of the title.
It has been proven in the history that organizations in any sector can become successful and continue to
remain at the top only through adopting open culture, flat structures and fair and equal treatment to all
employees irrespective of their level or rank. However, not all the organizations and the strategic
leadership therein appreciate the above important factors that influence the culture of an organization,
the interpersonal relationships between the employees among themselves as well as with the senior
management and their everyday functioning. This typical colonial hierarchy would have been a model of
success for the erstwhile leaders of the last century and got the job done. However, in the present day
scenario it is important for every employee to be respected and treated no different than the other
irrespective of his/her position in the organization. While India is no different than its other Asian peers
in view of the deep rooted social hierarchy, the new age organizations must take efforts to promote a
sense of equality among all the employees. Despite becoming a globalised economy witnessing
enormous changes since last few decades, Chinese organizations even today continue to remain
typically hierarchical and I have personally experienced the same in few South East Asian countries such
as Thailand and Malaysia.
In India, a lot of companies already have successfully initiated the idea of conducting townhall
meetings or similar open sessions of that kind once a while to encourage open and honest comments,
suggestions and feedback from their employees on a wide range of issues including HR policies and
other business activities. As this certainly helps improve the morale of the employees, it does not only
make the work environment better, but improve the overall productivity of the organization.
Finally, a last word for the yesteryear leaders!! You may have tasted success with the old principles of
organizational hierarchy and top-down commanding, but todays corporate world is very dynamic and
the new generation of employees frankly works for money and deserve respect and equality. Those
organizations that appreciate this fact and take appropriate changes can only survive in future.