GNP in Corporate Mode for Campaign
By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter
The motto of ``a small but responsive, result-driven organization by cutting red tape'' has featured as a core characteristic of the latest reshuffle of the Grand National Party (GNP) completed Friday.
After the party nomination ended on Aug. 20, new leaders have replaced old post-holders. The main opposition party has begun to overhaul its structure as well as prepare for the presidential election slated for Dec. 19.
Sources said the GNP will launch its presidential election committee by early October at the latest.
``The primary goal of the latest party reshuffle is to transform the GNP into a responsive and effective campaign organization. The structure of our Seoul headquarters had been made slimmer, while 16 local chapters will be restructured to have more power than before,'' said Rep. Lee Bang-ho, the secretary-general of the party.
He explained that the structure overhaul aims at making the GNP a field-based organization.
Earlier this week, presidential nominee Lee Myung-bak set out guidelines for the campaign organization reform.
``All teams and divisions should be function-based and each team should be filled with experts whose area of specialization fits their duties. Public relations, digital media, and the Internet are three core campaign areas and specialists should take care of these,'' said Lee.
The party has undertaken a huge makeover in a short period of time.
A new dress code of casual wear has been adopted and formal suits have gradually disappeared from party offices.
Employees are adjusting to a new organization culture, called a ``result-driven work style.''
Staff are expected to work longer than before as they are required to start work one hour earlier at 8 a.m.
There is no fixed end of work _ party officials are encouraged to leave the workplace only after they complete what they were supposed to do that day.
Comfortable and luxurious couches are gone and roundtables and wooden desks for meetings are coming.
Party officials have been ordered to get rid of red tape as much as possible by reducing paper work and increasing verbal reports. The time saved will be used for brainstorming meetings among employees.
The party is trying to build a youthful image as many first-term lawmakers and young policy aides are joining the campaign as key post holders.
Presidential candidate Lee reiterated he would place the top priority on healing the ailing economy and embracing equity if elected president.
He started a tour to meet the underprivileged shortly after becoming the party nominee and will continue to listen to their voice. Lee said he will incorporate their demands into his policies.
Party officials said Lee will hold a news conference on Sunday when the restructuring is completed.