Which Way to Look?

 

Forward looking is a jargon used in economic aspects. It refers to progress. It is frequently stated that forward looking approach is a way out to go up. It is a motivational view. All motivational speeches lead to make people to be 'yes' attitude within the framework of forward looking. It may work as a pathway to bring equality in the society. If it holds true, people should be positive in attitude in framing their future way forward.

Whether to look forward or backward depends on the context and what we are seeking. Forward looking is typically about focusing on the future, setting goals, and anticipating what is going to happen. It is ideal for planning, seeking new opportunities, or embracing changes. Forward looking is said to be learning from the past, without confining thereto.

Looking backward involves reflecting on past experiences, learning from mistakes, or appreciating progress. It is useful for understanding where we have been and using that knowledge to inform us next steps. It can also help us to recognize patterns or avoid repeating errors. Reflecting on the past can guide decisions for the future, but a focus on the future keeps us moving forward. This can work as a key guiding to shift the perspective.

A society is run by a system which is a social norm. The system is in different categories. It is controlled for which social elements need to follow a set of rules for living in the society. Under the political framework, the society is in need of different administrations such as public, judicial, military, financial, etc. Public administration is an institution comprising many work units which provide public services. In general, public services are provided at no price. In few cases, service charges are imposed to service recipients at very insignificant price. Countries like ours, ? public administration accords different permissions and no objection certificate. How is it possible to have permission to do business activities? Is it practical to have permission from the Government?

It can be stated that backward looking approach in the government sector is crucial for reflection, accountability, and learning. However, it must be balanced with a forward looking mindset that embraces innovation, adaptation, and proactive problem solving. Over reliance on past policies or failures without adapting to new realities can limit growth and progress in governance. This may be a reality. On the other hand, looking forward in the government sector drives innovation, long term sustainability, and resilience, enabling governments to address future challenges effectively. However, it requires careful balancing with the immediate needs of the population and a deep understanding of both future trends and current realities. A successful forward looking government is one that plans for the future while maintaining a strong focus on managing present day challenges.

Once the concept of License Raj was a manifestation of backward looking policies in the Indian sub-continental Government sector. Its reliance on centralized control and regulation was rooted in an economic philosophy that focused on self reliance and protectionism. This backward looking mindset stifled competition, innovation, and economic efficiency, contributing to slow growth and a lack of global competitiveness in the Indian economy. The eventual shift toward liberalization and economic reforms in 1990s marked a move away from these outdated policies, allowing India to embrace globalization and market driven growth.

Despite, controlled regime has been phased out and the world is found moving toward forward looking policies focused on innovation, sustainability, and progress; backward looking approaches still persist in many sectors. It is observed there is resistance to change, historical attachment to old practices, or concerns about short term disruptions. These outdated practices can limit growth, hinder adaptation to global trends, and reduce competitiveness. For societies and governments to thrive in the modern world, a balance must be struck between learning from the past and embracing future opportunities.

Backward looking can create problems to forward looking. It happens when societies as a whole focus too much on past strategies, successes, or failures, which can become 'bottlenecks'. These block innovation, adaptation, and forward momentum. Constantly relying on past approaches can prevent new ideas or more effective solutions from being explored. When there is too much focus on doing things the way they were done before, it may limit creativity and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The focus on past achievements or problems can create a sense of complacency or fear of failure, preventing societies from taking risks or embracing new opportunities. This leads to a stagnant environment where progress slows down. 

What worked in the past may no longer be relevant in a rapidly changing world. When backward looking approaches dominate, they can prevent necessary updates or improvements, and people may miss the chances to innovate or take advantage of new technologies, methodologies, or strategies. The past can rarely a growth path to future, rather it holds back new possibilities and progress. Balancing reflection with forward thinking is a key to avoiding these bottlenecks.

Governments often look to past legal frameworks, precedents, and policy decisions when making current decisions, aiming to maintain continuity and stability. While this can provide a sense of security and predictability, it can also limit flexibility and adaptability in the face of new challenges or changing societal needs.

Bureaucracies often have rigid structures based on long standing procedures and rules. A backward looking framework might result in excessive red tape or inefficiency, as it becomes difficult to streamline processes or adjust to current realities. An example can be cited that outdated systems and procedures may hinder the delivery of essential services or limit the ability to act swiftly in emergencies.

Sometimes, backward looking approaches can be rooted in past power structures or ideologies, which may favor certain groups or regions while neglecting others. This can perpetuate inequalities or unjust systems, making it difficult for marginalized voices to influence future policy.

Focusing too much on the past might make governments less responsive to emerging trends or technologies. For instance, digital governance or green policies for climate action may be sidelined if the government is too attached to traditional methods or policies that worked in previous decades.

It is important to learn from the past and respect historical achievements, a forward looking approach is necessary for a government framework to remain dynamic and responsive. A balanced approach would involve evaluating past policies for effectiveness but not being constrained by them, encouraging innovation while respecting traditions being open to reform and embracing change in line with current needs.

In the Government frameworks, backward looking approaches can provide valuable lessons and stability, but they can also act as bottlenecks to progress. Governments that fail to adapt or innovate may miss opportunities to address contemporary challenges effectively.

In the work culture of public sector, it is observed that decision is taken based on files. Files are prepared to arrive at decisions. This is the baseline as golden rule for decision making. Files should reflect the analyses made thereon by file making people. Bureaucracy plays active roles which cannot look forward, rather looks backward. Based on past experiences without forward analyses, it can be easily understood why development pathways remain under blockade for economies heavily dependent on public dominance.


Mehdi Rahman works in the development sector. He also
writes on business phenomena
and monetary issues.