The Black Australian - Chapter 19

Inevitable change

by Sunil GOVINNAGE

There was a strong rumour that a new employee had been hired to lead all key projects of the firm. However, no one could substantiate it, but everyone spoke about a new recruit who had been hired. As in a western movie with a good story outline, news of the new recruit was revealed, piece by piece.

Eventually, the Managing Director issued a notice informing the staff that a director had been hired as part of the ongoing restructure of the firm. At the next Managers' meeting, Siri was advised of plans to make the organisation more competitive, particularly in Asia. A few days later, the company newsletter confirmed the appointment.

The news generated more speculation and gossip due to lack of information and clarity. Siri heard that the new director was a young and attractive woman and a relation of the Managing Director. Some staff members said that there was no relationship, but that they were very 'close friends.'

Another rumour suggested that the new director would be in charge of special projects and all non-engineering work of the firm. That included a section of Information Technology Branch that Siri managed until the appointment of a person called Gordon Grant.

Finally the news reached that all those non-essential services would either be reduced, or contracted out as soon as possible. The staff were also informed that those who would lose their jobs would be offered redundancy packages.

After about two weeks, the Managing Director formally announced the restructure plan for the company. The only new bit of information was that the new recruit was an experienced civil engineer, a woman; named Maya-Rose Smith.

One of the tasks entrusted to Maya was to lead the newly established Business Enterprise and Development Division. The newsletter carried her credentials and work experience which included a project that she had completed for the World Bank in India.

The article in the newsletter emphasised Maya's exposure to overseas markets and her extensive network of contacts that would be useful for the firm. In addition, she had her roots in Perth, having graduated from the University of Western Australia.

She had been hired to capitalise on new opportunities in Asia, particularly in China, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. This was in line with the firm's strategic directions to identify and take advantage of the opportunities emerging in Asia.

The article in the newsletter concluded that further re-alignment would be announced in due course, after the transfer of non-core activities to the new Division and possible outsource of further functions such as information technology services.

Three days after Maya assumed duties, Siri met her at a meeting organised to introduce all the Managers and other staff who were not part of the Executive Committee of the company.

Siri was surprised to find that she really did look young. Her dark eyes immediately captured his attention. There was a Eurasian look in her eyes reminding him of another familiar face of a person who had similar large black, radiant eyes.

Her skin was pale, but it carried a clear remnant of a suntan. Observing the way Maya mingle with the managers over coffee, he wondered whether she would be able to handle the challenging tasks entrusted to her.

She approached Siri and said: "Hi, I'm Maya," and shook his hands firmly.

"G'day!" Siri said. "Until today I was wondering whether we were all talking about an imaginary person. You're not an illusion, but a real person. If I met you on the road, I'd have thought that you were a Uni student!"

"Really? Thank you for the compliment!" Maya smiled innocently. "Many people think that I'm an illusion! That's what my first name means!"

"Yes, I know! it's the same in my country. I come from Sri Lanka."

"Oh, you are Siri! I thought you were Frank!"

"No, he's actually a white fellow with a black mask; I'm a real Black Australian! Also, I'm the taller bloke," Siri said jokingly and smiled.

Many people in the firm still mistook Frank for Siri, or vice versa, despite the fact that Frank was short and stout.

I've heard a lot about you," Maya said.

"Well, I'm sure they are all good things!"

"I know that you are developing a new cost model that can be integrated into the project planning system on our computer network. I've a few questions about our computer system. As you know, I've been asked to look after the Computer Section, but I must admit, I've a very limited knowledge of computing. I'm sure my colleagues will guide me in the right direction!" Maya smiled and her eyes were even more radiant than before.

A week after their first meeting, Siri formally briefed Maya on the issues and problems relating to the firm's out-dated computer system. After listening to Siri for few minutes, Maya interjected, "Well you seem to be speaking logically, but the points you've raised were not included in my briefing papers. As it stands, the computer system is a liability and costing the company a lot of money! Remember, that last bit of information is confidential!"

"Well, I can guess who wrote your briefing notes!" smiled Siri. "You'd have been given an interpretation by Mr Gordon Grant, I presume! Anyway, it depends on how you look at the usefulness of the computer system," Siri countered and continued, "I've inherited an archaic mainframe system that we need to get rid of so that we can have new technology. So far we have managed to install a new e-mail system.

I have recommended a distributed environment that will prevent us from entering into another contract with the University Computer Center. They currently look after our mainframe system.

I submitted a report detailing several options twelve months ago, but I haven't got any feedback so far. I was told the Executives were busy looking at strategic issues and they would come back to information technology issues later. I wonder which management book they were reading!"

"No one mentioned your paper to me! I'm more inclined to close down the Computing Section and buy better and cheap services from external vendors," Maya said innocently.

"Go for it, Madam, but be prepared to pay the price! There's already enough evidence to show that outsourcing is not working for computer systems in firms such as ours. Australia has plenty of cases demonstrating how outsourcing of computer systems would cost more money.

If you want to throw the baby out with the bath water, I'm happy to have my redundancy package. I'll go back to Asia. Six years is too much for me in one place! Maybe, I'll retire early and go back to Sri Lanka, or do something else. It's time for me to move on and make room for new blood."

"Siri, you need not be so defensive. I don't have a plan to fire you or sell the IT Section. I'm here to make things move forward. You're a qualified Civil Engineer and you also have a good corporate memory. We need people with the skills and knowledge of your caliber. I've seen your CV.

Among other things, I know of your training, and particularly your language skills. I understand that you speak Thai fluently. In fact, before we go any further into IT issues, I need your input on Thai culture and the language. I'm visiting Thailand in two weeks. I've also been told that you've a good taste for Thai food and man an exclusive database of best Oriental restaurants in Perth!"

When Maya saw the puzzled expression on Siri's face, she showed him the yellow sticker on her briefing notes where she had written: "Ask Siri about the best Thai restaurant in Perth!"

"I really thought someone had been telling you stupid things about me," said Siri and laughed. Maya continued, "Thai is a strange language for me, with all the tones and using special particles for men and women. "Ka" for women and "kup" or "krup" for men!"

"Perhaps you already know more than I do! If you need tuition, my fees are very high" Siri joked.

"I only know how to greet someone as "Swadee ka"! That's it! I really need your help. If your tuition fees are high, then I may have to pay you in kind! In any case, my main challenge this week is to get a good exposure to the Divisional issues and identify our priorities before I leave for Thailand."

Maya changed the track, and started revealing about her upbringing. She revealed that she had grown up in Indonesia with a Dutch-Indonesian mother and an Australian father.

"I was born in Indonesia, but received my education in Perth. That's why I don't have such a good accent as yours!" Maya said and smiled innocently.

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Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.