Broken Windows Theory in the Philippines
The Milenyo Typhoon last weekend left me with nothing much to do. I just decided to read “the Tipping Point.” The basic premise of this marketing book is that ideas can spread like epidemics. People, A Stickiness factor and the context can make a big difference. It’s really a good read!
One of the ideas from the book that had me reflecting this week was the “Broken Windows” theory. Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it’s unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside. It short, little signs like broken windows can be a prelude to chaos, disorder, and perhaps even crime.
I relate this concept to what happens here in Manila. As I passed the roads this morning, I saw a number of poverty-stricken squatters (those who live illegally in somebody else’s property). I heard the news on the radio of how some areas in the metropolis are still without electrical power. There were people stealing power cables in order to sell them. People are financially desperate (or perhaps crazy) enough to steal power cables that could’ve helped them have electricity.
This leads me to ask? What drives these kinds of crimes? They are obviously hurting themselves, but why do they do it? We could relate broken windows to unrepaired power posts. As the posts were left unattended, vandals considered it an opportunity to steal them for money.
So basically, little things matter. I guess Bayani Fernando realized this early on in his political campaign. Bayani Fernado was the mayor of Marikina City (Philippines). Now he is the current chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, or MMDA. He has a knack for improving the general lifestyle of the populace. When he was Marikina Mayor, he cleaned up the squatter population in Marikina City, improved the local market place, and maintained a clean look on the sidestreets. I believe he focused on the effect of perception.
I honestly think it paid off. While I still know of people hates Bayani, I see others who praise what he has done.
Broken windows and perception… just some things to think about.
[This article is part of the Experiencing the Philippines series. Subscribe now and read some more.]
« PayPal Philippines Now! | Home | Crazy Milenyo »
Leave a Comment