To transform an organization for its betterment and be sustainable, leaders must know how to be transformative in the first place.
This synthesis is immensely inspired by Mission Economy: A Moonshot Guide to Changing Capitalism written by Mariana Mazzucato, Ph.D., and tailored fit to the reflections on leadership and organization transformation as a communication scholar. This article explored the importance of successful leadership and being a transformational servant, at that, effective communication, action learning, and mission-driven leading as they result in organizational transformation, and sustainability, and increase people engagement, retention, and boost interpersonal relationships that can be empowering, compassionate, and empathic while attaining organizational purpose. These said factors are anchored to the imminent success of an organization; however, customization or tailor-fitting and reflection to its stakeholders is necessary. The synthesis cited theories in Mission-Driven Leadership (MDL), Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, Institutional Theory of Organization, and Action Learning as part of the backbone of the article to further explore and understand the relation of systems to transforming organizations and transformational and servant-leading.
Hostalero, Alessa Shainne L. (2023). A Synthesis – Changing of the Guard: A Soft Guide to Transforming How It Can Be Done. ResearchGate. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.24018.02243
I have been writing professionally since 2010. My writing gigs have paid some college fees, textbook needs, and conference fees. When I was already in corporate, professional writing paid the bills and helped me build my funds on the side and uplift my savings. There was also a time, before Happy Shift, when writing was all I did and it even led me to different places. I was lucky and blessed to have clients who value my work and prioritized flexibility above anything else to preserve creativity and help it flourish further.
I have been writing since grade school, albeit non-professionally, and only in my own tiny journal. It continued until high school when I kept a thicker journal and convert it to a blog at the time of the internet. Writing has been a part of me and something that I am absolutely proud of. I sometimes think that I am better in print than public speaking–by which the latter I tried (still tries) to be good just the same.
My 20s were the highlight of my many heartbreaks in writing. I always felt I wasn’t good enough, but as I grow old, I learned that we always get better–we CAN always get better at what we do especially if we love doing it. Like I’ve always said, nothing is ever easy even with the things we love doing. It will always be a challenge but also an opportunity to grow.
Now in my 30s, it has just gotten better. It is the perfect timing albeit fearful. This is the start of a new chapter. I always get conscious about my writing/manuscript. There are always second thoughts about pursuing this side of the fence, but definitely, it is something to look forward to no matter how I think it scares me.
I just want to get a hold of feelings of excitement and cluelessness, the same feelings I had in 2010 when I was first starting. I know this will lead to something better, something fruitful, and something that I will cherish forever. We never stop dreaming, are we? We don’t lose hope. It is never too late to start the things we were just daydreaming about when we were a child. We don’t always have it together and that’s fine. What is important is if we believe that, in times of uncertainty, there will always be an opportunity whether we have it together or not really. We will always come through no matter how it feels otherwise.
I’m happy to have been part of this global initiative. Thank you, World Literacy Foundation! #oneforthebooks
Thank you to the World Literacy Foundation for this opportunity to learn, lead, and strengthen the advocacy to help eradicate illiteracy globally as one of their #WLFAmbassador2022. This 3-month program led me to network with different people around the world sharing the same goals and learning through their experiences and insights shared.
Certificate of Completion | World Literacy Foundation
I have learned so many good things in the program that made me strengthen my currently existing platforms to pursue broader advocacies that will help people, especially children. To know more about what I will do moving forward, you may read more here.
This is only part of the beginning. Through my social enterprise, Happy Shift PH, we are one with the foundation to champion initiatives for the environment and education. I am proud to be a #WLFAmbassador alumna. #literacyforall
This case opinion study is to review and revisit the case study in 2016 about the effects of mass media on a group of individuals (Millennials) to discuss the impact of such platforms on their work, personal, and day-to-day activities.
The case study made in 2016 was submitted as a work/requirement for the Development Communication Concepts & Approaches course in the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) Master of Development Communication (MDC) program. It has been then expanded to support other studies or research and craft case opinion pieces such as this to review and revisit the development of approaches not only in development communication but in the field of communication and mass media per se.
Hostalero, Alessa Shainne L. (2022). Review & Revisit: A Case Opinion Piece on the Effects of Mass Media and its Digital Dive. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.17463.39841
Information makes up our reality today. It progresses through interaction, culture, and modality (technology advancement), to name a few. Information functions may have developed; thus, they reflect present reality.
Information makes up our reality today. It progresses through interaction, culture, and modality (technology advancement), to name a few. Information functions may have developed; thus, they reflect present reality.
Originally written as a blog post on 20 March 2022, as one of the requirements for Information and Communication Media Technologies (COMM360) class for Doctor of Communication (DCOMM) program at the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU) under Dr. Alexander G. Flor, Program Chair of the DCOMM program and former Dean of the Faculty of Information of Communication Studies (FICS), UPOU.
The blog title and minor components of its content have been improved since its original version of submission.
Preferred Citation:
Hostalero, Alessa Shainne L. (2022). Information and Its Coining Properties to Present Reality. [Research Blog] DOI:10.13140/RG2.2.19899.69924.
Collective Mind is how we can explain it, how we could describe it, and how we can answer the question simply put as “anyare?” or suffice to the wonders of our minds and reactions whether positively or negatively–“wow!”
During my master’s, I read an article written by Dr. Alexander G. Flor, the former dean and a professor in the Faculty of Information and Communication Studies (FICS) of the University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU). Currently, Dr. Flor sits as a member of my dissertation committee, and my professor too in my two subjects this semester. The article I’m talking about is “Communication, Culture and the Collective Psyche.”
The reason I remembered was during our recent class, timely as it is, Dr. Flor brought up the said article. Since we are in the middle of the post-electoral scene from the recent 2022 National Elections, the article does make sense to at least navigate us through one of the many answers, if not the sole conclusion, to our questions about the said elections–like, of course, “how did IT happen?”
As a development communicator, one of my objectives, as also shared by Dr. Flor in the article, is a development communicator researcher’s biggest ambition–“to understand and explain how a socially beneficial idea assumes a life of its own and spreads throughout society without the benefit of planned and funded campaigns” (Flor 2007, p.99).
Collective Mind is how we can explain it, how we could describe it, and how we can answer the question simply put as “anyare?” or suffice to the wonders of our minds and reactions whether positively or negatively–“wow!”
This Collective Mind refers to the synergy generated through individual minds in the social system (p.106). Thus, our society has its social system and its collectivity has a mind. Communication plays a huge role in this narrative. In fact, socialization by sociologists and acculturation by anthropologists can only be achieved through communication (p.111).
Society refers to a whole comprised of various individuals. Apart from they share the same spatial, they are typically subject to dominant cultural expectations. In a democratic country just like the Philippines, people have invested power to decide, in our recent case, elected officials in the government, through representation. Communication and comprehension of what’s being communicated craft the society we live in; education, and media/digital media play a huge role today that make or even break forms of information and social construction.
Many may point disinformation and misinformation as part of it, the seeds that are planted reap differently than what was expected of many, now as far as the election results go, the minority (I’ll concentrate more on this in another research). Needless to say, communication is an essential element, if not the main key, of politicking. Hence, as communication scholars, and development communicators at that, (in unison with the sociologists, media personnel, and journalists), we all have a crucial role to play. May it be breeding new sources of knowledge or research, but also understanding societal engagement and cultural communication unbiased more importantly, as we try to be.
Collective Mind is how we can simply glue how we came about, the same goes with the People Power I or EDSA 1 in 1986 and People Power II or EDSA 2 in 2001.
Reference:
Flor, Alexander G. (2007). Communication, Culture and the Collective Psyche. Chapter 10 in Development Communication Praxis, pp.99-114. University of the Philippines Open University Office of Academic Support and Instructional Services. Diliman, Quezon City. ISBN 978-971-767-200-7.
Transcript of my speech for the Career Story Day at CFA Homeschool last February 16, 2021, presenting Happy Shift PH and a gist of my life as a social entrepreneur and part of the workforce to the Accounts, Business, and Management (ABM) graduating students (Grade 12).
Good afternoon, everyone!
I am truly honored to be with all of you today and it is my pleasure to share little stories of mine that I hope can be of, somehow, an inspiration to all of you to continue thriving in life.
In this time of a health crisis, it seems that our lives have been disrupted and keeping up with our studies, work, and usual activities have been more difficult than it was then. A year into this situation, it sure taught us some lessons on importance and tolerance; however, I do know that its tough and whatever you feel in this situation is sure valid. And as it continues to be of a challenge, it is true that we need one another to survive, and yes, in a safe distance.
Happy Shift PH, for one, was also affected by these so-called pandemic challenges but we still continue to thrive despite of. Nothing is ever easy, there are times of troubles and deep challenges, but I say moving forward with it will always be worth it. I have started this business back in 2016, very broke, living in an 18 square meters apartment with bills to pay, career and graduate studies that seemed to be going nowhere. I had no assets; I barely had anything to save from my salary because of rent, daily cost of living, tuition fees, and the like. But, it was one of the most memorable and happiest times of my life. Perhaps, it was doing something with purpose – bigger than myself – that kept my spirit going.
Now, Happy Shift PH is a social enterprise that aims to help the community with its sustainable and eco-loving products – from soaps to reusable items. It also supports other microenterprises in the Philippines by hiring them as our direct suppliers of services, raw materials, and other ready-to-sell products. Happy Shift PH also supports Philippine-centered campaigns for the environment, organizations and people who are in need – World Wild Fund (WWF), Greenpeace Southeast Asia – Philippines, the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, JCI Valenzuela, and other local government efforts.
I used to think that maybe I am not fit into the mold. In my earlier years before Happy Shift PH, I was so clueless about what I will do with my career and with my life, in general. I jumped from one job to the other because I am still finding out things about myself and the field I was in. It was frown upon to change jobs after a year or two, or even less that that; they say, ‘typical millennial.’ While I know that changing jobs or career paths can mean starting over again, I do it anyway. Not because I want to prove something to the world, but rather to prove something to myself and live my life with a purpose. I do not advise you to be fickle-minded, but what I can advise you is to try, to step out of your comfort zone, to explore the horizon, to be not afraid to ask questions, and listen to advice adults give you even if you do not agree with them, even if you dislike their ideas. It will always be good to reflect on it as it is by also listening that you will learn.
My enterprise is not the biggest, but I pledge to continue putting an effort and help even in the tiniest way I can. You give and lend a hand not because there is a promise of goodness in return, but you give and help because somebody needs it.
It is with a purpose that we can live our life with meaning and happiness. Whatever it may be for you, for now, it is never too little or too shallow. It is through small things that we can create bigger ones.
Senior High School might be overwhelming and so is what comes after it. During a summer vacation before I enter college – I literally still do not know what to do with my life, what career I must take, what purpose I got. I was lost. Even after I landed my first job, my second job, and even the job after that, I still do not have a hindsight of what I want to become and what I will be later on. But, that did not stop me from simply moving forward. Every day, I choose to learn something I do not know – from simply doing the laundry, techniques to fight stains, to writing one paragraph that is readable, and learning Adobe Photoshop just because.
Maybe what I am just trying to say is that you will never stop asking yourself questions of doubt. However, through it, you may encourage yourself to learn further. You will get to know yourself better and you will be able to trust yourself. Others opinion of you will not be too much of an importance and it is by knowing your center that you’d be able to fight the challenges along your way.
Friendships and romantic relationships are also blessings that you will encounter as you traverse through your life. You should know that not everyone will be your friend, but not everyone will be your enemy as well. You choose your friends, you choose the ones who will be there for you even not physically, but people who will be there for you whether you need them or not, in happiness or in sadness, whether you are broke or wealthy; or, someone who may or may not comprehend with every feeling you have but chooses to understand and be there for you no matter what; and you must also do the same for them. You take good care of people who take good care of you.
All of these that seems to be fillers can help you choose what career path you will take. It will all be an influence on what you want to become. Your family, your friends, your teachers, your classmates, or even simply the people you talk to everyday can guide you to a good direction, you just have to reflect and communicate, too. Remember that communication is not only about talking, but it is also by listening that you can effectively communicate.
There is no secret to success – faith, commitment, hard work, and courage are your best fuel. In simply believing you can and keeping yourself in check of your strengths and weaknesses can make a lot of difference. Do not be petrified to ask for help if you need one and do not be unmindful to offer yours as well.
Choose a career that you know you’d be of service. A career you will enjoy and you feel you can thrive. You should remember that nothing will come easy even with the things you love doing. However, you are most likely to continue and blossom if you know you ought to do something because it does not only serve you, but other people, too.
It is also okay if you still do not know what your purpose in life. You have to go through it to know what your real purpose is, your true meaning, and what you are made of. Your failures and mistakes do not define who you are – use them to improve, to be better, and to humble yourself. Do not feel trapped in a certain way that you think that you cannot switch careers, because you can. However, you must think multiple times before doing so, especially when you are already have a lot to consider. When you feel like doing it and moving forward with it, try to explore other hobbies or activities because it can also help you make good decisions, and if you have decided you must explore other opportunities, it is okay. Believe that you can and do not be scared to start over.
It is a scary world out there, but you must have the courage to always try, to always fight. Hardships can teach you a lot of discipline more than you can imagine. I am honored to know that one day our roads will cross again, and you’d be one of the best people I can rely on to help our country be a better nation. As cheesy as it may sound, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Remember that nothing will come easy and your mistakes are gems just like how your achievements are. Learn something new daily no matter how small as it will come handy for sure.
Part 1 of 2 of the State of the Philippine Environment Forum 2020 coverage
Featured Image from The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines – On Wednesday, April 22, 2020, in commemoration of the 50th Year of Earth Day, The Center for Environmental Concerns – Philippines (CEC) held a webinar about the State of the Philippine Environment in time of COVID-19 discussing the ecological challenges to the pandemic.
Together with the Kalikasan Youth Advocates for Climate Action Philippines and Earth Day Network Philippines, the webinar series aimed to discuss the environmental challenges and provide ecological solutions for the community.
During this time, the Philippines experiences environmental consequences that are aggravated by COVID-19 pandemic and the country is now facing the worst ecological crisis.
Neo-Liberalism and PH Vulnerability
Neo-liberalism is a policy model that accentuates and associated the laissez-faire economic liberalism and promotion of free-market competition.
“Neoliberalism allows the unbridled utilization of our natural resources. It devastated our environment and impoverished our people,” said Rosario Bella “RosB” Guzman, IBON’s Research Head and Executive Editor and the first speaker on the Earth Day webinar.
Guzman also reiterated that while the Philippines is first in Green Revolution, the country has still become more vulnerable to different calamities and natural disasters.
Wealth inequality has been an existing challenge in the economy and thus, various industries have contributed to the environmental destruction that resulted in deforestation and land-use change.
“In a healthy environment, forest cover must be at least 50 to 54 percent. Currently, the country has 23 percent forest cover, 10.5 percent severe, 16.6 percent moderate, and 3.2 percent very severe,” Guzman added.
Guzman furthers that the reason behind the declining forest cover and land-use change was the government’s prioritization to real estate, industrial plantation, agri-business venture, use of hybrid genetically modified crops, and large-scale mining.
Dirty Energy
In the discussion regarding Dirty Energy, Guzman explained that coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel and a major source of air pollution.
And, while there are some renewable sources of energy that the Philippines plans to utilize like the 21 hydroelectric power projects, they are not considered as renewable energy as they utilize large dams that cause changes in the ecosystem and displacement of communities.
Social Distancing and Handwashing to combat COVID-19
Social distancing and handwashing are the most effective ways to fight COVID-19 contamination. It has been prioritized by the Philippines government, LGUs, and WHO. Hence, the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
The ECQ aims to limit physical interaction in the community and the suspension of public transport, public and private work, and classes, as well as the aggressive promotion of good and proper hygiene and suspension of rotational water interruption.
While social distancing and handwashing are deemed essential and promoted, it is still considered a privilege to many, especially those who are in highly populated areas and stricken by poverty.
According to Guzman, 1 out of 4 Metro Manila residents are informal settlers and 51 percent of them are in danger areas and only a little over half of the number of families have water piped into their dwelling.
Urbanization has resulted in various community challenges that must be prioritized. The community is more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic due to poverty.
The Earth is being celebrated annually every April 22nd. This year, April 22, 2020, marks its 50th year with the theme, Climate Action.
Earth Day has become the largest civic event that aims to have a unified movement to combat an environment crisis – pollution, ocean acidification, deforestation, and climate change to name a few. For fifty years, Earth Day is a significant occasion to educate citizens, celebrate the planet, and call for support to forward for the Earth.
This commemoration is a good reminder that citizens of the world can stand together for the benefit of the planet and its inhabitants. It is also an opportunity to get reminded how Earth should be taken good care of and call out purveyors that endangers it.
Earth Day in History
Started on April 22, 1970, by its founder and then U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, the first Earth Day has given birth to modern environmental efforts and paved the way to annually recognize the said civic movement to call for support to help the planet fight its continuing ecological challenges.
The first Earth Day movement has joined by approximately 20 million Americans (10 percent of the total U.S. population during that time) to protest environmental unawareness and request a new mode of techniques and systems to support planet Earth.
The said protest has been successful and drew actions by the government to create environmental laws to protect the environment such as the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and public policies like The Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Act which many countries around the world have adopted as well.
The first Earth Day also opened opportunities for volunteers, environmental advocates, and activists to form organizations for the benefit of nature. In 1971, Greenpeace, an environmental activist organization was established.
Earth Day has consistently held major international events to put countries together and lay significance in protecting the planet. Hence, on Earth Day 2016, the United Nations (UN) has signed on the Paris Agreement on Climate Change that aims to strengthen the global action to the danger of climate change.
At present, more and more advocates are starting to make a difference for the environment regardless of age. One is Greta Thunberg, a Swedish Teenager and Climate Activist who called for “School Strike for Climate,” which participated by more than 17,000 students from over 20 countries.
Earth Day in the Philippines
Earth Day is also being recognized in the Philippines every April 22, the same day as it is recognized globally. Proclamation No. 1481 signed and effective on April 10, 2008, by former Philippine President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the may convenor.
Various private and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) have made April 22 in celebration of the planet through Earth Day Runs, Mass Tree Planting, Clean Up drives, and Earth Day Concerts among others. The aim of these said events is to bring people together, educate them on the importance of acting for the Earth, and share and strengthen the advocacy for the planet.
Earth Today
At present, the planet Earth is experiencing a lot of changes that seem apparent through the current climate and deterioration of biodiversity. Humans play a significant role in the changes that the planet face.
As of March 2020, the Earth population has reached 7.7 billion. Therefore, 7.7 billion people are competing for a limited number of natural resources including food, water, and fuel. Experts and scientists believe that the planet has reached the limits of what it can only support. Thus, controlling population growth has deemed necessary.
Due to the advancement of technology and the emergence of various businesses, the majority of the world’s population is already living in urban than rural areas. Hence, a greater number of pollutants were being listed due to the growing need for transportation, manufacturing, and other production. The rise of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has been a serious threat to the planet.
The effects of global warming also affected the patterns of water and its accessibility for necessities. Some regions and rural areas dependent on agriculture experience a lack of access to safe drinking water and or supply per se to cultivate.
Aside from these challenges, the Earth also faces threats of deforestation, ocean acidification, and failing ecosystems.
Climate Action
Goal 13 in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals is Climate Action. The goal seeks to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impact.
Any country in the world is experiencing the drastic effects of climate change. It is evident through the number and the intensity of natural disasters that occur annually. Global warming is also a major threat that has a lifelong effect on nature and its inhabitants.
Climate Action aims to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of the world most especially the most vulnerable areas and regions (island states and confined countries). Climate Action calls nations to create mandate and national policies integrating essential measures and strategies empowering climate resilience and disaster response.
Anyone on Earth – whether private or public organizations, leaders, and ordinary citizens – are encouraged to help to craft a collective effort to support climate action.
Photo from United Nations SDG Fund
What People Can Do to Help
Everybody can do their part to help combat the implications of climate change. By simply using energy wisely – unplugging electronics when not in use, washing clothes in cold water and simply hanging them dry, and changing lightbulbs to more energy-efficient ones, to name a few – can help.
Supporting local, all-natural, sustainable, and organic businesses can also contribute to the recovery aim of the environment. It lessens energy use to create items, transport products from and to, and it also helps the local economy to grow. Eating a less-meat, plant-based diet can also benefit. Consuming less, upcycling, repurposing, composting, and/or recycling is encouraged as well.
Resorting to a greener commute is also essential. To lessen carbon footprint, people may consider the option of taking public transport, car-pooling, riding a bike, or switching to electric vehicles.
Being politically active and choosing good leaders is also a vital aspect of succeeding in the battle towards a better climate. Employing great political leaders can also give birth to necessary national policies that citizens and nature can benefit from.
Spreading the word about climate action initiatives, staying engaged, and educating fellowmen are also significant contributions to the battle. By doing so, it promotes collective actions to care to eliminate the hazardous and overwhelming impact of climate change to the planet.
April 7, 2020 – This World Health Day, as the world grapples with the worst public health emergency in recent memory, over 90 percent of respondents surveyed in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong support a government-led closure of illegal and unregulated wildlife markets, according to new research for WWF.
The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the link between zoonotic diseases – those transmitted from animals to humans – and wildlife markets into sharp focus. A survey conducted in March among 5,000 participants from Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam found that 82 percent of respondents are extremely or very worried about the outbreak, with 93 percent of respondents in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong supporting action by their governments to eliminate illegal and unregulated markets.
Questions remain about the exact origins of COVID-19, but the World Health Organization has confirmed it is a zoonic disease, meaning it jumped from wildlife to humans. The Chinese government announced a comprehensive ban on the consumption of wild animals on 24 February. WWF’s research shows that citizens support similar action from other governments across the region.
This was the first survey of public opinion about the connection between COVID-19 and wildlife trade undertaken across Asia.
“China has taken great steps prohibiting the hunting, trade, transport and eating of wild animals, and Vietnam is working on similar directives,” said Christy Williams, Regional Director of WWF’s Asia Pacific Program. “Other Asian governments must follow by closing their high-risk wildlife markets and ending this trade once and for all to save lives and help prevent a repeat of the social and economic disruption we are experiencing around the globe today.”
Nine percent of those surveyed by GlobeScan stated that they or someone they know had purchased wildlife in the past 12 months at an open wildlife market, but that 84 percent are unlikely or very unlikely to buy wildlife products in the future.
“The public in Asia have spoken – those living in countries where wildlife markets are most prevalent are demanding that wildlife consumption is curbed and illegal and unregulated wildlife trade is eliminated. People are deeply worried and would support their governments in taking action to prevent potential future global health crises originating in wildlife markets,” said Marco Lambertini, Director General of WWF International. “It is time to connect the dots between wildlife and trade, environmental degradation and risks to human health. Taking action now for humans as well as the many wildlife species threatened by consumption and trade is crucial for all our survival.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the current COVID-19 pandemic, along with at least 16 percent of all human pathogens, are zoonotic in origin – wildlife trade is an aggravating risk in the spread of zoonoses. Other recent epidemics, including SARS, MERS and Ebola, have also all been traced back to viruses that spread from animals to people.
Unsustainable wildlife trade is the second-largest direct threat to biodiversity globally, after habitat destruction. Populations of vertebrate species on earth declined by an average 60 percent since 1970, and a 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) concluded that an average of 25 percent of global species are currently threatened with extinction.
To access the full GlobeScan Report and Survey, kindly see here:
![Changing of the Guard: A Soft Guide to Transforming How It Can Be Done [A Synthesis]](https://shainnehostalero.files.wordpress.com/2023/04/pexels-photo-194094.jpeg?w=1200)
Shainne Hostalero 