On October 2 2026, the United Nations celebrated the International Day Of Non-Violence and that day,they also outlined that it was a good day for them and all of us to ensure that there is understanding, respect, good conflict resolution(with clean constructive dialogue ) plus inclusion that must exist in our communities and workplaces.
However, this comes as there are cases of obstructionism in our communities and workplaces .Obstructionism is a deliberate delay or the act of preventing a process of change. It is also a form of workplace aggression/bullying and a process intended to make an employee unable work efficiently and effectively thereby reducing productivity.
Some 17 years ago, I worked for a Nigeria n private firm where I was a top management staff but my novel ideas were taken for granted. I worked so hard and one junior staff would usually take my work to our boss , claim that he did the work and that he supervised me to do a little of the assignment. This was a clear atmosphere of obstructionism and I had to resign from the job.
There are several forms of obstructionism such as :
- Overlaboring a staff with workload and making another staff to take the glory for the accomplishment of that task.
- Inability for a worker to say his opinion and or share his ideas.
- Sexual abuse of a productive staff.
- Inability to promote a staff.
- Hindering a staff from going on a leave.
- The employers neglect/non-interest in the welfare of a member of staff.
We have to stop obstructionism in our communities and workplaces inorder to ensure peaceful coexistence, understanding of each other and to maintain productivity. We can do this via the following basic processes:
1.Fight for your right in a correct manner.
2.Be yourself and avoid eye service.
3.The International Labour Organization (ILO) should make policies that ensure that our workspaces and communities are safe, conducive and out right free from obstructionism.
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