CORRUPTION IN A NUTSHELL - Part 2 - LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY ACCOUNTABILITY CULPABILITY

CORRUPTION IN A NUTSHELL

Part 2 - LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY ACCOUNTABILITY CULPABILITY

CORRUPTION and CULPABILITY

THE LEADERSHIP OR TOP MAN MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR CORRUPTION IN AN ORGANIZATION

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

In recent times, it is quite amusing to see top leaders dodging responsibility for scams and corrupt activities in their organisations and passing the buck to their juniors. 

If there is a scam, the top man cannot escape culpability and he must be held accountable for corruption in the organisation which he heads. 

When corruption takes place, as far as the Top Leadership or TOP MAN is concerned, there can be four scenarios:

1. THE LEADERSHIP or TOP MAN INITIATES THE CORRUPTION

The scam is done at the behest of the leader by morally pliable juniors. 

Thus, in this case, it is the top man who is directing and presiding over the corruption and the obsequious, subservient and “flexible” subordinates facilitating, helping and participating in carrying out the corruption and also enjoying their share of the “pie” in the loot.

If you observe the various scams in the news these days, you will realize that most present day corruption falls in this category - the leader initiates corruption.

2. THE LEADERSHIP or TOP MAN IS INVOLVED IN THE CORRUPTION

A corruption “system” (systemic corruption) may already be in place in an organisation and the top man joins in and becomes a part of it.

Here is an illustrative example:

“X” joined as the boss of an inspection organisation on deputation. He had not served in that organisation before. 

At the end of the first month, he found an envelope with money in his drawer. 

On inquiring, he was told that this was his “share” in the “hafta” or “mamool”. 

He took the envelope and put it in his briefcase. 

He thus became a part of the “system”.

3. THE LEADERSHIP or TOP MAN TURNS A BLIND EYE TO THE CORRUPTION

The top man knows that there is corruption going on in his organisation but turns a blind eye, looks the other way, and does nothing to stop the corrupt practices. 

He does not want to “rock the boat” or “ruffle feathers” so he lets the corruption happen unhindered.

Whereas in first and second examples of corruption, the leader was guilty of “commission” in this case he is guilty of “omission”.   

4. THE LEADERSHIP or TOP MAN IS CLUELESS ABOUT THE CORRUPTION

The top man is so incompetent that he does not know what is going on in his organisation and is ignorant and clueless about the corruption happening in his organisation.

(It is possible that he may be faking innocence, pretending to be clueless and feigning ignorance to wriggle out of the situation as we see in some recent cases).

Even if he is genuinely clueless about the corruption in his organisation then he is not fit to head the organisation and must be sacked on grounds of incompetence.

CONCLUSION

It is clear from the four cases elucidated above that the leader or top man:

1. Initiates the corruption

2. Is Involved in the corruption

3. Turns a Blind Eye to the corruption and let’s the corruption happen unhindered

4. Is Clueless about the corruption going on in his organisation due to his incompetence and ineptitude.

In all the four cases the leader or top man must be held culpable for the corruption in an organisation.

When a scam happens or corruption is prevalent in an organisation, the leadership or top man cannot shirk responsibility and escape accountability.

Therefore, even if there is a whiff of a scam or the slightest evidence of corruption in an organisation, the leadership or top man must be held responsible, accountable and culpable and sacked immediately in order to envisage a fair and speedy investigation.

Dear Reader, do you agree with the musings above?

Or do you have a different take on the subject?

Please comment and tell us your views.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this blog post?

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Winston Churchill - Prophecy about India

I once read a quote about India attributed to Winston Churchill (who was against granting independence to India and hence he probably made this statement):

Power will go to the hands of rascals, rogues and freebooters. All Indian leaders will be of low calibre and men of straw. They will have sweet tongues and silly hearts. They will fight amongst themselves for power and India will be lost in political squabbles. A day would come when even air and water would be taxed.

If it is indeed true that he really said this, Winston Churchill made this prophecy about India more 65 years ago. 
As I watch the news on TV every evening and read the newspapers every morning, I wonder whether his predictions are really coming true. 
I feel sad, helpless, as there is nothing I can do about it, but watch on haplessly. 
Now we can only hope we will be spared the last part and, at least, air and water won’t be taxed.

MORAL PLIABILITY and THE ETHICAL CHAMELEON

ETHICAL CHAMELEON - The Key Quality for Success

MODERN ETHICS

HOW TO BECOME ATHE MORALLY PLIABLE ETHICAL CHAMELEON 
Success Mantra
By
VIKRAM KARVE


MORAL PLIABILITY
Key Ingredient in the Recipe for Success 

Look around you and ask yourself: Who is most successful in the present day world?

The answer will be clear: The Ethical Chameleon.

And what is that quality that will enable you to be an Ethical Chameleon?

Moral Pliability.

In today’s world, it does not pay dividends to be honest, straightforward and outspoken. 

Concepts like moral values and ethical conduct are outmoded and have no relevance in today's times. 

If you practice ethical conduct and take a moral stand, and stand by your principles, you will be called difficult and dogmatic, and most likely, you will be written off in your career, fall by the wayside and be passed over for promotion and may spend your professional life in wilderness.  So, remember, if you are one of those old-fashioned orthodox “man of principle” types with “unshakable integrity” you are destined for failure. 

The key to success is to be able to swim with times and bend with the wind, and to be able to to metamorphose yourself and change colours like a Chameleon - yes, you must practice “Situational Ethics” and become an “Ethical Chameleon” - in short, you should be Morally Pliable. 

Look around you and see for yourself the one common quality most “successful” individuals have - MORAL PLIABILITY.

You may observe that Moral Pliability is the sine qua non for career advancement and success in all types of organizations - government and non-government, business and academic.

CAREER SUCCESS MANTRA - Moral Pliability

Look around you, in your workplace and outside, and you will realize that the most “successful” persons are those who are morally pliable.

In the early days of my career, when I was young and full of idealism, I used to wonder why so many professionally competent, talented, efficient and diligent persons do not get the success they deserve in their careers.

Now it is quite clear to me – they lacked that key ingredient which is the sine qua non to reach the top of the ladder: MORAL PLIABILITY.

Yes, if you are morally pliable you will develop the ability to unquestioningly obey orders from your superiors without suffering qualms of conscience. 

Your bosses will feel comfortable with you and you will go a long way in your career – yes, proficiency may take you to a certain level but to rise beyond that you need that decisive ingredient in the recipe for success – moral pliability.

If you are honest, straightforward and upright you may even be labeled as an “idealist”, impractical, conceited, dogmatic, or even worse, if you stand by your principles you may be branded as a difficult person, as someone who cannot get along with others, and your career may be written off and you may be cast away by the wayside.

If you flow with the tide, bend your principles as the wind blows, you will be appreciated as a “practical” person, tactful manager, a great team player – after all, everyone loves an adaptable person with a flexible personality. 

This is true in most organizations – at work and also in personal relationships in a family.

DANGERS OF BEING MORALLY PLIABLE

Of course there is a danger in being too flexible. 

Once you practice moral pliability for a long time and make it a habit to compromise your principles as the situation demands, you may reach a stage where you have no principles left to compromise.

Yes, the sustained practice of moral pliability is bound to affect your capability for creative and original thinking. 

To quote Norman Dixon:

“A lifetime of having to curb the expression of original thought culminates so often in there being nothing left to express”. 

I have seen this happen to so many morally pliable persons who turn into “yes sir yes sir three bags full sir” type obsequious sycophants.

So, Dear Reader, look around your workplace, observe your colleagues, especially the eager beaver go getter “successful” types. 

Reflect for a while and ask yourself:

Is better to be morally rigid and ethically steadfast?

Or is it better to be morally “malleable” and “ductile” and practice “situational ethics”?   

When I see the number of morally pliable people achieve great “success” I wonder whether this African saying is relevant here:

“The wind does not break a tree that bends” 

Or maybe the Ancient Chinese Wisdom:

“The tree that does not bend with the wind will be broken by the wind”.

Or should you stand by your principles as John Quincy Adams says:

“Always stand on principle, even if you stand alone”.

Or is it wiser to follow the advice of Thomas Jefferson:

“In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock”.

Think about it and you decide for yourself what is right for you.

As an afterthought, let me add that there is a flip side to moral pliability too. 

As we discussed earlier, the first danger you may face if you become morally pliable is that you may lose the capacity for original thought.

There is a bigger danger as well.

Sometimes these morally pliable persons who reach the topmost positions in the hierarchy may bring disrepute to themselves and tarnish the reputation of their organizations owing to this very quality of moral pliability that catalyzed their ascent to the top. 

Quite a paradox, isn’t it?

Dear Reader, I have given you the mantra, the key to success. I have told you the pros and the cons. The choice is yours. Do you want to be a Morally Pliable Ethical Chameleon?

You have to decide: TO BE OR NOT TO BE MORALLY PLIABLE ... !!!

Remember, your juniors and your children are observing you, so don't blame them if they too become morally pliable and turn into Ethical Chameleons like you!

Enjoy your work and have a great day. Wish you all the success in your career. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this article?

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

http://dialabook.in/prod_detail.php?prod=MTA0NzA=

COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com 

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

  

CORRUPTION - Who is Responsible

CORRUPTION and CULPABILITY

THE TOP MAN MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR CORRUPTION IN AN ORGANIZATION

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

In recent times, it is quite amusing to see top leaders dodging responsibility for scams and corrupt activities in their organisations and passing the buck to their juniors. If there is a scam, the top man cannot escape culpability and must be held accountable for corruption in the organisation which he heads. In such situations there can be four scenarios:

1. THE TOP MAN IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CORRUPTION

The scam is done at the behest of the leader by morally pliable juniors. Thus, in this case, it is the top man who is directing and presiding over the corruption and the obsequious, subservient and “flexible” subordinates facilitating, helping and participating in carrying out the corruption and also enjoying their share of the “pie” in the loot.

If you observe the various scams in the news these days, you will realize that most present day corruption falls in this category.

2. THE TOP MAN IS INVOLVED IN THE CORRUPTION

A corruption “system” (systemic corruption) may already be in place in an organisation and the top man joins in and becomes a part of it.

Here is an illustrative example:

“X” joined as the boss of an inspection organisation on deputation. He had not served in that organisation before. At the end of the first month, he found an envelope with money in his drawer. On enquiring, he was told that this was his “share” in the “hafta” or “mamool”. He took the envelope and put it in his briefcase. He thus became a part of the “system”.

3. THE TOP MAN TURNS A BLIND EYE TO THE CORRUPTION

The top man knows that there is corruption going on in his organisation but turns a blind eye, looks the other way, and does nothing to stop the corrupt practices. He does not want to “rock the boat” or “ruffle feathers” so he lets the corruption happen unhindered.

Whereas in earlier cases the leader was guilty of “commission” in this case he is guilty of “omission”.   

4. THE TOP MAN IS CLUELESS ABOUT THE CORRUPTION

The top man is so incompetent that he does not know what is going on in his organisation and is ignorant and clueless about the corruption happening in his organisation.

(It is possible that he may be faking innocence, pretending to be clueless and feigning ignorance to wriggle out of the situation as we see in some recent cases).

Even if he is genuinely clueless about the corruption in his organisation then he is not fit to head the organisation and must be sacked on grounds of incompetence.

CONCLUSION

It is clear from the four cases elucidated above that the leader or top man:

1. Is Responsible for the corruption

2. Is Involved in the corruption

3. Turns a Blind Eye to the corruption and let’s the corruption happen unhindered

4. Is Clueless about the corruption going on in his organisation due to his incompetence and ineptitude.

In all the four cases the leader or top man must be held culpable for the corruption in an organisation.

When a scam happens or corruption is prevalent in an organisation, the top man or leader cannot shirk responsibility and escape accountability.

Therefore, even if there is a whiff of a scam or the slightest evidence of corruption in an organisation, the top man must be held responsible, accountable and culpable and sacked immediately in order to envisage a fair and speedy investigation.

Dear Reader, do you agree with the musings above?

Or do you have a different take on the subject?

Please comment and tell us your views.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this blog post?

I am sure you will like the 27 short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook

If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

      

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

LEADERSHIP and FOLLOWERSHIP QUALITIES - YOU GET THE LEADERS YOU DESERVE

YOU GET THE LEADERS YOU DESERVE

Qualities of Leadership and Followership

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Leadership presupposes two things:

1. A LEADER

and

2. MEN CAPABLE OF BEING LED (Followers).

A stag cannot lead an army of lions.

A lion cannot persuade an army of stags to follow.

What then is required?

A Lion leading Lions

Both the leader and the followers must be “LIONS”

We then have a LION leading an army of LIONS - and an army of lions led by a lion will be victorious. 

In other words, the qualities of  leaders and followers are very similar.

The chief of these qualities are:

        (1)     Knowledge.

        (2)     Skill.

        (3)     Determination.

        (4)     Endurance.

        (5)     Courage.

        (6)     Cunning.

        (7)     Imagination.

        (8)     Confidence.

No one is greater than the other, but the first of all is knowledge.

Paraphrased by me from a quote by Brevet Colonel J.F.C. Fuller, D.S.O. in his article: “Moral, Instruction and Leadership” in Journal of the Royal United Services Institution, Vol. LXV (1920)

We get the leaders we deserve. 

Are we “LIONS” - then we will get leaders who are “LIONS”

And if behave like meek “STAGS” (deer) we will get leaders who also behave like deer, meek and weak.

CORRUPTION MADE SIMPLE

CORRUPTION MADE SIMPLE

This morning while browsing through my old diaries I chanced upon something interesting – a formula for corruption told to me by one of my colleagues long back which I had jotted down in my diary.

Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion – Accountability

Or simply put:

C = M + D – A

where

Corruption (C) equals Monopoly Power (M) plus Discretionary Power (D) minus Accountability (A)

 

I had posted this earlier in my blog.

 

This morning while on my walk, I thought about it and realized that I had missed out one very important aspect - TRANSPARENCY.

 

Yes, I feel that TRANSPARENCY can help reduce corruption especially in this age of Information Technology and Internet.

 

So here is the revised formula for CORRUPTION

 

Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion – Accountability – Transparency

Or simply put:

C = M + D – A – T

where

Corruption (C) equals Monopoly Power (M) plus Discretionary Power (D) minus Accountability (A) minus Transparency (T)

Do have a look around and see for yourself whether this formula is really applicable. 

Or would you like to add some are other factors too which contribute to corruption?

Going by this formula, it seems to be very easy to reduce corruption, isn't it? 

In order to reduce corruption, you simply have to:

1. Reduce Monopoly (by increasing competition) 

2. Eliminate Discretionary Powers to give or withold largesse (by fair and participative decision making) 

3. Fix precise and proper Accountability (by proper rules and regulations)

4. Ensure Total Transparency (especially thorough widespread use of Information Technology).

If it is indeed so simple to control corruption, then why don't we do it?

The reason is quite clear. 


Most people, especially the powers that be, benefit from corruption. 


In fact, a large section of society, so many people, thrive on corruption. 


And nowadays there is no social stigma attached to corruption. 


If you look around, you will observe that so many corrupt persons who are involved in scams and amassed huge amounts of wealth seem to have a respectable place in society and enjoy great social status. 


This is because in the present-day social scenario, it your Power, Wealth and Fame which determine your status in society. 


In today's world, things like honesty, integrity and character will not earn you much respect (in fact, you may be dubbed a fool if you are honest and straightforward). 


So many people benefit from corruption. 


So why should anyone want to eliminate corruption?

Think about it.