Bureaucracies Quote by Cherian George
““Perhaps, like bureaucracies everywhere, government officials in Singapore are uncomfortable with groups who appeal successfully to the public's sense of idealism, and whose work cannot be easily quantified in economic terms. Officials can handle individuals and organisations who are in it for the money, but seem not to know how to deal with people who seek and promote more intangible and selfless rewards.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Policy Forum, Singapore, 2019
Officials resist movements driven by idealism because they lack measurable economic impact, preferring profit‑oriented actors.
In simple terms: Bureaucrats favor quantifiable goals over intangible values.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value non‑economic contributions.
Themes
bureaucracy
idealism
valuation
public policy
intangible rewards
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
analytical
policy‑oriented
When to use this quote
- policy making
- NGO advocacy
- community projects
- public fundraising
Key Concepts
social capital
public good
motivation
economic metrics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can governments incentivize idealistic initiatives?
- What metrics could capture intangible value?
A Different Perspective
Economic metrics alone may not capture societal benefits.
