Adopting New Organizational Forms and Working Methods September 5, 1944 — Today’s newspaper publishes the Border Region Government’s Decision on the Procedures for Electing and Rewarding Model Workers and Heroes of Labor. This decision clearly underscores the importance of electing and rewarding such individuals, while also setting out detailed and specific regulations regarding the methods of selection and recognition. It will undoubtedly play a major role in this winter’s Regional Conference of Heroes of Labor and Model Workers, as well as in the Border Region’s broader reconstruction efforts going forward. This represents the formalization and legalization of new organizational structures and working practices, merits widespread attention.


Since the Party and government launched the production drive and various construction initiatives in the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region, the steady growth of these undertakings has continuously given rise to numerous heroes of labor and model workers. Emerging from mass movements, they have taken the lead, propelling those movements forward and serving as a vital force behind the region’s overall development. Yet, until recently, our understanding of their significance remained insufficient; we lacked both a clear purpose and systematic means to identify and nurture them. As a result, these outstanding individuals were left to develop independently, often without recognition or public acclaim, thus failing to fully realize their potential. Only after the cases of Wu Manyou and Zhao Zhanqi were brought to light and the “Wu Manyou–Zhao Zhanqi Campaign” was initiated—followed by last winter’s Conference of Heroes of Labor—did we begin to appreciate the crucial role these figures play in all areas of production and construction. Consequently, the practice of selecting and honoring heroes of labor and model workers gradually gained wider adoption. Over the past year and more, experience has shown us that wherever production and construction are underway, there are always individuals who embody the qualities of heroes and models. By consciously seeking them out, rewarding their achievements, widely publicizing their examples, and encouraging the masses to emulate them, we can harness their influence to great effect within the broader movement for economic and social progress. In this way, we have come to recognize that the election and reward of heroes of labor and model workers constitute an exceptionally important organizational and operational approach in the current phase of comprehensive development in the Border Region. This method, born of the masses themselves, has now been formally adopted by us as a key strategy for advancing future production and construction endeavors.


The primary aim of electing and rewarding heroes of labor and model workers is to stimulate and improve work performance. These exemplary figures have set standards of productivity and professional excellence that surpass the norm. If such high levels are attainable by them under existing conditions, then they should likewise be within reach of all workers and staff. The fact that others have not yet reached these benchmarks suggests that there remain shortcomings in their respective tasks. By disseminating information about the standards, conditions, and methods employed by heroes and models—while simultaneously celebrating their accomplishments—we can not only invigorate the workforce but also help everyone identify their own weaknesses through comparison. Armed with these insights, workers can adopt the standards of the distinguished few as their own goals and draw upon their experiences to refine their techniques, thereby elevating both output and quality. In turn, more people will strive to emulate these role models, further universalizing their elevated norms. Over the past year, whether in rural areas, factories, military units, or government offices, whenever a hero or model worker has emerged among the ranks and been duly recognized, rewarded, and held up as an example, the corresponding production and administrative activities have invariably seen marked improvement and expansion. This demonstrates that such measures are not only broadly applicable but also among the most effective means of driving progress.


Moreover, the selection and commendation of heroes of labor and model workers offer an excellent avenue for cultivating and developing cadres. These individuals are genuinely forged in the crucible of the masses and practical work, having proven themselves as outstanding members of the community. Their dedication, combined with tangible results and demonstrated creative abilities, along with their upright character and close ties to the people, make them eminently suitable candidates for leadership roles. With deliberate effort to enhance their education and cultural level, their inherent strengths and innovative capacities can be further nurtured and brought to full fruition. Already, some regions have begun to integrate these exemplary figures into various sectors, where they are increasingly assuming important managerial positions. While our revolutionary struggle did produce a cadre corps of exceptional caliber—many of whom continue to serve as the backbone of the Border Region—the sustained, large-scale development currently underway requires a fresh infusion of talent. Such new leaders are being cultivated right within the very processes of construction itself, emerging organically from the mass movements that drive them forward. Leaders of all Party, government, military, and civilian organizations must grasp this reality and take appropriate steps to facilitate it.


Finally, heroes of labor and model workers also play a pivotal role in fostering closer ties between the leadership and the general populace during the unified campaign to comprehensively rebuild the Border Region. Scattered across every corner and sector, these individuals maintain intimate connections with the people while simultaneously acting as active agents of change. In essence, they function as natural intermediaries between the masses and the authorities, enabling the latter to gather public feedback for improving governance, as well as to communicate policy directives and mobilize support for their implementation. Through them, the gap between the leadership and the grassroots is steadily narrowing. This dynamic became particularly evident during this year’s production campaigns and other construction projects: many heroes have actively promoted the Party and government’s policies on production and development, energetically organizing and inspiring their fellow villagers to participate. It is said that villages with recognized heroes of labor seem to gain additional strength, making local administration far more effective than before.


These three functions—stimulating work, developing cadres, and strengthening ties with the masses—are the fundamental contributions made by heroes of labor and model workers. Once we consciously acknowledge and master these roles, they become invaluable tools for enhancing our work, nurturing leadership talent, and bridging the divide with the people. They represent organizational and operational approaches that can and should be widely adopted across all fronts. Only by fully grasping their significance can we ensure the successful execution of this year’s region-wide election and award ceremony for heroes of labor and model workers. Therefore, it is imperative that all Party, government, military, and civilian cadres receive thorough dissemination and education on this matter.


To carry out the election and awards process effectively, beyond the necessary ideological preparation, a complex array of organizational arrangements must be put in place. Key priorities include:


First, unwavering leadership. Last year, in some locales, the selection of heroes was conducted carelessly—without adequate preparation, with appointments made arbitrarily and without any input or vote from the masses. This year, such lapses must be completely rectified. All Party, government, military, and civilian leadership bodies at every level are urged to thoroughly study the Border Region Government’s decision and promptly begin implementing its provisions within their respective jurisdictions. This includes disseminating the relevant guidelines, holding discussions to define specific criteria for each locality and sector, conducting assessments of work achievements and performance records, and meticulously planning and assigning responsibilities for the electoral process. Regular inspections should be conducted to identify deficiencies and address them promptly, ensuring that no perfunctory or haphazard approach is allowed.


Second, broad-based mobilization of the masses. During last year’s selection process, many candidates were appointed rather than democratically elected, often based solely on top-down identification. This year, however, the procedure must strictly adhere to the government’s stipulations, with genuine democratic elections conducted by the people themselves. Early and vigorous publicity efforts are essential to engage the public and encourage their participation, transforming the election into a truly self-motivated mass movement and preventing any semblance of formalism.


Third, careful selection of nominees. Some individuals selected as heroes of labor last year did not meet the established criteria, resulting in unintended negative consequences that undermined the very purpose of the initiative. Such mistakes must be avoided this time around. To prevent them, the Border Region Government’s standards for heroes and models should be widely publicized, with nominations jointly proposed by Party committees and the masses. Each candidate must undergo rigorous scrutiny by the electorate and be chosen through secret ballot. Only through such a sincere, democratic process can one truly qualify as a hero of labor or a model worker—and only such individuals can exert a positive influence, contributing to improved work practices, cadre development, and stronger ties with the people.


The principles outlined above apply not only to the Shaanxi-Gansu-Ningxia Border Region but also to all anti-Japanese base areas behind enemy lines. However, in those regions, special emphasis should be placed on recognizing combat heroes, militia heroes, as well as heroes of labor and model workers, with the former two taking precedence—a point that goes without saying. Given that the central slogan in the rear areas is “combining combat with production,” the simultaneous election and commendation of combat heroes and militia heroes alongside heroes of labor and model workers are particularly fitting. Although some of these base areas may still lack sufficient experience with these new organizational and working methods, we nonetheless hope they will swiftly adopt them to accelerate both the war effort and various construction projects, ultimately leading to the defeat of Japanese imperialism. Liberation Daily, September 5, 1944, Editorial.
Adopting New Organizational Forms and Working Methods – Part Two and Three