In 1993, the Government of Botswanalaunched a productivity movement to improve civil serviceperformance. The centerpiece of the movement was theintroduction of Work Improvement Teams (WITs). A WIT is agroup of civil servants from the same work unit,irrespective of divisional status, who meet regularly tosolve problems, examine improvement opportunities anddevelop problem solving skills. It is inspired by the modelin Singapore which in turn is an adaptation of the JapaneseQuality Control Circle. WITs are well established inSingapore as a mechanism for improving the performance ofthe work force in the public sector and have been creditedwith the successful implementation of 22,000 improvements inpublic organizations. A twinning arrangement between theBotswana Institute of Administration and Commerce (BIAC) andSingapore's Civil Service Training Institute wasadopted as the instrument for transplanting WITs intoBotswana. WITs can be potentially effective tools forproductivity improvement by helping to establish a mind-setthat seeks: optimum performance, participative leadershipand team work, innovative work styles, strong clientorientation and empowerment of people. However, it will takean estimated 5-10 years to witness a significant impact onproductivity, with employees themselves, rather than theirmanagement, seeking to actively improve efficiency and thequality of work-life.