Why many Cambodians still work for the government institutions with very low salaries? [Because of an opportunity to fatten their pockets through corruption and the prestige that attached with the government jobs]

PHNOM PENH (The Cambodia Herald) -- Graduates normally face a dilemma right after their graduation whether to work for government institutions or private firms. Some decide to become officials only to resign and LOOK FOR JOB in private sector after some years while others do the opposite. What are the disadvantages and advantages of working in and out of state institutions?

Each year, tens of thousands of students complete their tertiary education. Some are employed whereas the employed either work for the state institutions or PRIVATE COMPANIES.

Why some graduates choose to work in public sector? How about those working in private sector?

Before answering these questions, it should be well noted that in the past one government official could support their whole family depending solely on the relatively high salary at that time.

Also, those working in the government were valued and respected, which is quite different from now. Regarding the difference, salary before and now is almost incomparable, so why some people still want to work for the state?

First, this is due to the deeply ingrained value people had for government officials in the past that still exists in the Cambodian people’s mind today, especially the relation between ranking and salary.

Second, most private firms are still operating in a family-business fashion and provide not many opportunities for their employees.

Third, becoming government officials means they can one day grow in ranks and enjoy the privilege, such as being highly valued and respected by the society. Fourth, since working in public sector is often perceived to be linked with power, rights violations are less likely to happen if you are a government official. This also explains why some people hold positions in some state institutions, but they never go to work and instead run their own business or work for private firms. It is normal that some officials just get their fingerprint scanned and leave their OFFICE right after that.

Another reason that is quite the case is senior officials’ relatives, despite having their own business, still flock to join state institutions. They have networks and MONEY at their disposal, so it is very easy for them to get positions in the government. What they have to do is just simply waiting for the right time to reach the peak of power.

However, others choose to work in private sectors instead. First of all, salary is the most attractive motive for them. Secondly, they want to accumulate property of their own and save it for their next generation. 

Thirdly, some of them dream of becoming successful businessmen who are publicly recognized. Fourthly, “conscience” prevents them from joining the government institutions.

To sum up, it is fair enough to say that both types of work do have their own pros and cons; however, they share one main similarity in that both working in and out of the state institutions play important roles in accelerating our economic growth.

Nevertheless, working for private firms requires perpetual hard work as competitions are at the core of private sector. In contrast, in public sectors, even if there are some serious issues that need dealing with, some official seem indifferent and effortlessly look forward their salary. - See more at: http://thecambodiaherald.com/cambodia/detail/1?page=14&token=YjBiNjA2ZjM5Yzd#sthash.QPaes2ue.dpuf