Dear employer, we are perplexed!

I want to thank the Catalan Association of Sociology of the Institute of Catalan Studies for their contribution. I found that the appropriate word: confusion, ie, when in full confusion, can not leave any doubt, do not know what to decide which party to go, what to think so. And that is scientific, we say the academics of the IEC. So far I have not heard yet other scholars challenged the findings and methodology, but I heard the voice of a politician who says that, despite being in general agreement with the contribution, differs in some aspects . The political science disagrees, perception and opinion - legitimate - front method. You can not question the science? Of course, but with science. If you do not like the answer, ignore it, not talk, but not the issues. In any case, the study is a new contribution to the diagnosis. And we are so well diagnosed from all sides! However, explains why knowing all the symptoms we suffer we do not act: for perplexity. The antonyms of this word are: decision, steadfastness.

But we also know where we go, or at least suspect it. The Today from 23 April until 2 June, the response was published daily, names of relevant economic, social, cultural, scientific associations and the media, the question "Where did Catalonia ? ". The chambers of commerce, employers, the Economic Circle, unions, associations, have also expressed their views on how they imagine the future. That is, there is enough material to build a project.

The SWOT (weaknesses, threats, strengths and opportunities) is made and ends on the contribution of sociologists; vision there, maybe there all masses, but can reach a consensus, then we plan strategically and execute it. That is, we apply what we teach the science of management to manage our society, and this is adapt methods of private enterprise, but incorporate the knowledge generated over the last 200 years.

Dear friend, perhaps the experience of the Government of South Australia we can be helpful www.ministers.sa.gov.au . For starters, the motto: Action now for the future. And under this slogan has structured its operations: a strategic plan. The first made in 2004 and renovated in 2007. It contains six strategic objectives related to six areas of action to achieve specific objectives and 98 (about sixteen per strategic objective) criteria defined under SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time bound). Its development has been participatory, with the support of different stakeholders and are committed to implementation: issued periodic reports on their progress and there is an audit committee, where there are members of civil society, which aims, strategies or do not comment on the recommendations, but monitor the progress of implementing the plan. I can not tell you more in this area but the website gives full details. It's just an idea and act out of confusion.

By the way, any plan needs leadership, but this is another issue.

Joseph Albet

Economic Focus, 13-09-2008