Is the True Value of a Job Assessed by the Name of the Position?

In a thought-provoking column published today, Mohamed Aasif (Mondhu) explores whether the true value of a job is assessed by the name of the position. The article examines the prevalent culture in Maldivian government offices, state-owned companies, private businesses, and resorts where success is measured solely by promotion and job title. Experts in education and employment warn that confusing job rank with an employee's true value can easily happen, risking that the contributions of hardworking and sincere employees go unrecognized. The piece emphasizes that true workplace value is built on integrity, quality of work, trust, and support for others, rather than just position names. It calls for a new culture in Maldivian institutions based on strong professional ethics, including accountability, consistency, and taking responsibility even when no one is watching. The author argues that real success is achieved long before a new position is added to one's name, through personal responsibility, helping colleagues, and implementing new ideas. The article also warns against workplace rivalry and hiding information, noting that in small communities like the Maldives, such behaviour slows down entire institutions. Instead, valuable employees share knowledge, guide newcomers, and celebrate others' successes. The column concludes by urging professionals to focus on what they can contribute each day rather than what they will gain, and to let their true value be proven by the quality of their work and support for others.