It’s all about persistence, persistence, persistence!

Its all about persistence

Persistence is the key here, in Italy and, in particular, Milan. This is true especially when it comes to bureaucracy. It comes down to the big, age-old problem of ‘taking responsibility’.

You see, from my experience, in general, they just don’t like taking any responsibility and especially if it means going out on a limb.

So, one queries how anything ever gets done here. How does anything change? If it’s not done in the time-honoured manner, then it just can’t be done.

R, my boss, explained to me that, seven years ago, a law was introduced allowing certain official documents to be circumvented (at least temporarily) by composing a self-certification document. I have the particular article of the law in front of me and the list of acceptable self-certification particulars is long.

For instance, you can certify your place and date of birth; where you are resident; professional qualifications, etc.

One small problem. For the first two years after this law was introduced, nearly everywhere refused to accept the self-certification as an official or allowed document, according to R.

And even now, some people, even if it is on their own organisation’s website, are adamant that these things are not acceptable! It’s incredible although, the more I am here, the more credible it is, given the way Italians are.

Anyway, the persistence thing comes in to play in almost every aspect, especially when dealing with officials. One office/department/even official will tell you what they know – which of course may not always be exactly how it should be – just how they know it. But, as another will tell you something slightly differently or even something opposite, it pays to keep digging and keep asking – if you can stand it, of course.

Oh, Italy would be a great country, a world-respected country, if only there wasn’t this Italian mental shrug of the shoulders – which is really to shrug off the responsibility from oneself.

2 thoughts on “It’s all about persistence, persistence, persistence!

  1. Ah, you’re finding out how things function here, you noobie you! From my experience, it’s all a wee bit random. Sometimes things go smooth as silk, other times, you think all is going to be easy going, but the road turns rather rocky. The trouble is you never really know how things will go. You would find southern Italy very ‘interesting’!

    Italian laws, of which there are many, tend to be introduced, and then, if they work, enforced. Then the enforcement becomes a little lax and it is almost as if the law had never really been introduced in the first place and is quietly forgotten about. Topsy turvy.

    And I totally agree with you, Italy could be a world beating country, but only if it becomes more responsible for its own actions. Machiavelli has a lot to answer for.

    All the best,

    Alex

  2. Hmm. I’m not sure I would be able to stand the South! I find it hard enough here, in Milan and this is a comparatively international city.

    When I come up against this problem, normally I am calm enough and just say ‘siamo in Italia’. I’ve even got my colleagues at work saying that too! But it can be very frustrating at times, as you will know.

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