Travel, Tourism and "Borism" Management

Do not be scared of the word "borism" There is no such word in the dictionary. But slang and flippant conversation permits the use of such a word at times. While we all know what tourism means, we are not sure of the meaning of "borism". Simply stated, it means boredom. Only to give it a color, rhyme and rhythm the word is used in this story.

Executives, especially on the top rung of the ladder, are said to experience heavy stress on account of their hectic executive assignments. Their jobs create stress. They have no control over their jobs or stress. So they succumb to it initially and later go out, sometimes to far way destinations, in search of palliatives. Some of the undergo courses on art of living which is nothing new compared to what was said over 5000 years ago by sages of wisdom. Only difference is those holy men never charged any fee for parting with the knowledge. Nor did they claim any royalty for intellectual property rights. The beneficiaries feel the course is effective only if it is organized in a five or seven star hotel with a hefty five figure fee with ten course lunch which may include a course which is often remembered or rehearsed only at night. This is taken as a supplementary diet to a five or more course dinner.

We come back to the top executives wanting to get freedom from stress. Before leavng the country, some of them pass on the stress to their subordinates who cannot get even a minutes' rest and who often develop wry neck and peptic ulcer. The bosses go for foreign tours, sometimes global, to get rid of stress. Among them one category that is in the travel industry also makes use of their holiday free packages to which they are entitled. They identify a few pleasantly looking damsels resembling models and working as travel executives in the front office. Where this is not done openly they announce a training programme for such junior staff in countries like Bangkok famous for different type of tourism to which men and women flock for total entertainment and relaxation.

It is a mystery what special training they get in places like Bangkok which is not available in their own country. One has to use one's commonsense to deduce the type of extra training they get in such environment. But one thing is certain. The executives return fully refreshed after washing off their stress. But the trainees return emaciated. Of course they parade these gadgets and gifts, though no mention is made of the hidden gifts implanted in them. They in all earnestness recommend this technique of "borism" management to many others particularly their colleagues. They eulogize the employer as a "model employer' which also means that he employs models.

There is no need for anyone to feel jealous about these achievers. They find their way right to the top. It is the right royal way studded with rubies, diamonds and of course money, influence and patronage which give them a high place in society and often elevate them to a celebrity status. May their tribe increase and encomiums be showered on them? They are an asset to the art of "Borism Management".