Thanks Nick for the insightful comments you’ve shared! I greatly appreciate your well-thought-out perspective. I would like to address some key considerations based on your points:
Regarding the remuneration system, it is indeed debatable whether most of the extra income would be donated. I understand your viewpoint on this matter. However, I believe a more nuanced approach is necessary when designing remuneration systems. Organizations should strive to encourage their employees to contribute a portion of their additional earnings to effective charities, such as 10%. This approach becomes especially important in areas where Effective Altruism (EA) is not widely embraced.
Considering the cost of living is essential, and it would be unfair to disregard its impact. I agree that an employee’s location and the associated cost of living should not be used against them, particularly in low-income areas.
I acknowledge your observation that the giving culture in Kenya, where I am currently located, may not be as prevalent in other African countries. It would be presumptuous to assume a uniform situation across all African states. Efforts are underway within the EA Nairobi and EA JKUAT communities in Kenya to expand the reach of EA and foster a stronger giving culture. While I cannot provide specific details on the donations made by EA Nairobi, it is an area I am personally interested in exploring further.
Concerning the impact of attracting professionals away from their current impactful jobs, I respectfully disagree with your perspective. In the long term, I believe it is crucial to provide professionals in Africa with equal opportunities to compete for impactful positions. Additionally, a significant number of highly competent and dedicated individuals are already working on effective causes, and this trend is not expected to diminish anytime soon.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, I agree that allocating extra funds to employ more highly skilled individuals is important. However, it is crucial to ensure that employees receive adequate compensation to prevent a situation where their productivity is compromised due to unfavorable conditions resulting from low salaries.
While the term “black tax” may sound negative, I personally view it as a positive phenomenon based on my own experience as a beneficiary of financial support from my well-off extended family. I have had the opportunity to attend conferences outside Kenya solely due to their generosity. Therefore, I believe that targeted financial support within families and communities can be an extremely beneficial force.
Your concern regarding the sustainability of communities after NGOs cease their activities or funding is no longer available is valid. Often, when NGOs implement successful programs, such as feeding initiatives or distributing mosquito nets, communities struggle to maintain those advancements once the programs end. I share your belief that entrepreneurship should continue regardless of external funding. It is through a combination of financial resources and locally developed solutions that many of the challenges in Africa can be effectively addressed.
Thank you again for your thoughtful comments. Your insights have added depth to the discussion, and I value the opportunity to engage in this conversation.
Thanks Nick for the insightful comments you’ve shared! I greatly appreciate your well-thought-out perspective. I would like to address some key considerations based on your points:
Regarding the remuneration system, it is indeed debatable whether most of the extra income would be donated. I understand your viewpoint on this matter. However, I believe a more nuanced approach is necessary when designing remuneration systems. Organizations should strive to encourage their employees to contribute a portion of their additional earnings to effective charities, such as 10%. This approach becomes especially important in areas where Effective Altruism (EA) is not widely embraced.
Considering the cost of living is essential, and it would be unfair to disregard its impact. I agree that an employee’s location and the associated cost of living should not be used against them, particularly in low-income areas.
I acknowledge your observation that the giving culture in Kenya, where I am currently located, may not be as prevalent in other African countries. It would be presumptuous to assume a uniform situation across all African states. Efforts are underway within the EA Nairobi and EA JKUAT communities in Kenya to expand the reach of EA and foster a stronger giving culture. While I cannot provide specific details on the donations made by EA Nairobi, it is an area I am personally interested in exploring further.
Concerning the impact of attracting professionals away from their current impactful jobs, I respectfully disagree with your perspective. In the long term, I believe it is crucial to provide professionals in Africa with equal opportunities to compete for impactful positions. Additionally, a significant number of highly competent and dedicated individuals are already working on effective causes, and this trend is not expected to diminish anytime soon.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, I agree that allocating extra funds to employ more highly skilled individuals is important. However, it is crucial to ensure that employees receive adequate compensation to prevent a situation where their productivity is compromised due to unfavorable conditions resulting from low salaries.
While the term “black tax” may sound negative, I personally view it as a positive phenomenon based on my own experience as a beneficiary of financial support from my well-off extended family. I have had the opportunity to attend conferences outside Kenya solely due to their generosity. Therefore, I believe that targeted financial support within families and communities can be an extremely beneficial force.
Your concern regarding the sustainability of communities after NGOs cease their activities or funding is no longer available is valid. Often, when NGOs implement successful programs, such as feeding initiatives or distributing mosquito nets, communities struggle to maintain those advancements once the programs end. I share your belief that entrepreneurship should continue regardless of external funding. It is through a combination of financial resources and locally developed solutions that many of the challenges in Africa can be effectively addressed.
Thank you again for your thoughtful comments. Your insights have added depth to the discussion, and I value the opportunity to engage in this conversation.