On this episode of The Shape of Work podcast, our guest is Tom Thomas, CEO of Praxis- Institute of Participatory Practices.
With three decades of experience in international social development research and expertise across various thematic areas, Tom is also the Convener of Corporate Responsibility Watch, a civil society coalition that acts as a watchdog in the human rights space.
In this episode, he reflects on the grand challenges of working in a Social Service sector, Artificial Intelligence both as a threat and boon, and discusses the most important insights on the topic of ‘exploitation of the workforce and how to prevent it.'
Additionally, he provides some insightful tidbits on the difference between recruitment processes in a Non-profit organization vs a Corporate.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
Tom feels that Artificial Intelligence is rapidly taking over the industry. However, there are several aspects to it. It is equally a threat as well as a benefit. He mentions that technology is the benefit, but the breed driving the technology is a threat. It has the potential to drastically change the way human labour is used. While it saves a lot of human power, the problem that might arise is the conflict between capital and labour. Most third-world countries have a labour surplus market. While technology advances, it can lead to further joblessness. It needs to be adjusted through free education and covering of living expenses for this segment of people.
How is the recruitment process of Praxis different from the same in corporate?
Praxis has a very different recruitment process. As opposed to the general practice of focusing on academic achievements, they analyze a candidate’s willingness to do social work. They attempt to figure out whether the candidate wants to push boundaries for this work.
Praxis looks out for three major areas in their candidates:
A- Attitude
B- Behaviour
C- Change
These factors are extremely significant as they expect constant communication within the organization. This concept is not easy to figure out from their CV. Hence they clarify it through conversations.
What are the perks of working in the development sector?
The main perk of working in Praxis is receiving the joy of social contribution. Working for underprivileged people and improving their conditions is a selfless contribution. Another benefit of working in this organization is the culture of the development sector- casual dressing, flexible work hours, collaborative and creative thinking, diversity, and lower levels of bureaucracy. But, most importantly, it is the space for dialogue that this sector provides.
How can we avoid the exploitation of workspaces?
According to Tom, businesses can be well equipped to change the quality of life of the workforce. He feels that the compulsory 2% contribution towards CSR is not the answer.
It is about how you make the money, not how you spend it. However, this requires a paradigm shift. Tom specifically mentions that the stakeholders of a business aren’t only the shareholders. They are the workers, supply chain, community, and the environment. You could have visionary corp leaders who might do it.
“I think it is important to know that everyone works for the betterment of the society in one way or another. You don’t have to be in this sector to be a contributor to society.”
Follow Tom Thomas on LinkedIn.
Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast host: Lokesh Gautam