Al Jazeera Tells its Story: In-Depth Studies

Al Jazeera Documentary was launched in 2007, and Al Jazeera Sports was also incorporated as one of the network’s channels, falling under the network’s central financial administration. In 2008, a human rights division was created as part of the newsroom, which then became Al Jazeera Public Liberties and Human Rights Centre in 2015. This ex- pansion was followed by organisational, administrative, financial, legal and technological development. At this point, the notion of the network crystallised more clearly. With the number of channels, platforms, sec- tors and external bureaus, and the administrative, financial and legal complications this presented, Al Jazeera’s high-level leadership began to rely on more comprehensive strategic planning. The strategic plan- ning process began to include advance planning with an emphasis on the institution’s message, existence, future vision and desired short-and long-term goals. Also, in this period, and as a result of Al Jazeera’s expansion and the addition of Al Jazeera Sports, the network’s financial management saw important developments. The network’s cost centres were launched, a system of budget regulations and procedures was implemented, and employees began receiving notice of all financial transactions electron- ically. Instead of using individual payment orders to fulfil financial ob- ligations, the network began to fulfil them by payment batches. In this context, a ledger was created specifically for broadcast and external centre employees, and the Salary and Wages Unit was split from the fi- nancial administration. This was when the network’s efficient manage- ment practices began to solidify, and the job description process began at the structural level, with tasks assigned according to specific objec- tives. This was in conjunction with laying solid foundations for motiva- tion, compensation, and internal organisation, which further developed systems and stability as the organisation entered its third institutional development phase. This phase was characterised by the establishment of a support- ive culture reflected in the institution’s broader culture, adapted work practices, and humane interactions. This approach, which seeks to empower employees, has manifested itself in a set of values that have been incorporated into Al Jazeera’s values, code of ethics, and conduct. The Human Resources department developed at the organisational and

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