Essay: If your organization observes democratic organization, to what extend does the organization

observes principle of freedom in relation to democratic educational administration.

Democratic and autocratic are two classifications of leadership I have lived and worked under. In the
Philippines, democracy is the way of life and is being defended all the time. On the other hand, UAE,
where I am based now, is categorized as authoritarian state and has been described as a “tribal
autocracy”. From the government to the companies based in UAE, administration is more inclined to the
Autocratic classification which is centralized and with rigid conformity to rules and regulations.

Before coming to the UAE in 2002, I was working for Philippine Rice Research Institute, a government
agency attached to the Department of Agriculture. While there definitely rules and regulations, the
people were and are still given power to participate in decision-making. Most notable of which is the
conduct of election, where the people choose future leaders of the country.

On the other hand, UAE having 7 emirates and autocratic are being headed by 7 monarchies. There is no
participation from the Emiratis nor the expatriates in choosing the future leaders. Emirates Airline, the
flag carrier of Dubai, follows the same form of administration. The authority is centralized. While the
management may take inputs, which may somehow affect the decisions overall, still lies to the
management. The country as well as my company being autocratic has very less practice of freedom.
Majority of the practices are and rules are for strict compliance.

If I am to choose between the two classifications, I honestly would be choosing the autocratic way as
demonstrated by the UAE government as well as Emirates Airline. Rules are being strictly followed by
most of the residents, hence making it somehow a safer place to live.