On Bridging the Gaps

In this paper the authors present an interpretive discussion of the scope for management scientists to make a more effective contribution to improving the performance of the Canadian economy, by active involvement in management and decision making in Canadian institutions, both private and public. Initially the paper surveys the evidence on the differences in economic performance between Canada and the United States, outlining the methods used, and the results. Some factors turn out to be relatively unimportant in the differences, while others are quite crucial. In the broad area of manufacturing, the gap in economic performance is particularly wide. Tariffs in Canada and other countries have become important contributions to the existing product diversity, short production runs, high cost and low productivity in relation to performance in other countries. A further important area is the pattern of decision making in Canada which has led to a survival strategy and resistance to change rather than innovation, creativity and risk taking. This tends to perpetuate the lower levels of productivity found to exist. In the light of this analysis of economic factors and decision making, the paper makes some broad recommendations on the role of management scientists, the need for change in management style, and changes in tariffs that would accelerate change and would recognize the importance of interdependence for more efficient performance. The paper concludes on the theme "The Time is Now!"