CORRUPTION IN – DISCIPLINE OUT

CORRUPTION IN – DISCIPLINE OUT

Ramifications of Corruption in Organizations

By

VIKRAM KARVE

One of the most important of the Ten Commandments is the Eighth Commandment – THOU SHALT NOT STEAL (You shall not steal) which clearly says “Do not Steal” and prohibits theft. There are many forms of “stealing”. Whereas robbery and burglary are “blue collar” theft, corruption is a “white collar” theft. This corruption also violates the 8^th Commandment. However, whereas the law and society is harsh towards those committing robbery and burglary, we seem to be quite benevolent and lenient towards those indulging in corruption.

Is corruption really that harmful?

Well, there may be many ramifications of corruption, but one effect I have observed is:

“When Corruption comes in, Discipline goes out”

What happens when discipline deteriorates in an organization?

Well, I will discuss this effect of corruption in my blog in the near future.

 Meanwhile, just remember the dictum:

“Corruption In –> Discipline Out”

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
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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 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.

  

HOW TO MANAGE CORRUPTION AND SCAMS

HOW TO MANAGE CORRUPTION AND SCAMS

The Story of The Farmer and The Lion from AESOP’S FABLES

By

VIKRAM KARVE

We watch with a sense of helpless amusement the familiar pattern of dealing with scams, as scam after scam unfolds with alarming frequency.

1. The powers-that-be let the scam happen, though they seem to know all about it. They just look the other way and do not do anything hoping that the scam will never be discovered. It appears that in most cases scams are never discovered and the scamster gets away with the loot.

2. Sometimes a scam is discovered, either by the media, or by auditors, or by a whistleblower. The first response is to say that the allegations are baseless and deny any wrongdoing. Meanwhile, the scamster has already stashed away the loot, maybe he has even “invested” it or sent it abroad.

3. This tactic of remaining in denial does work in some cases. But if it does not work and the heat gets too much, then an inquiry or investigation is ordered. This goes on interminably for so long that the scam is forgotten (skillful media management also helps to “bury” the scam) and after a few years the case is closed – after all public memory is short and there are so many scams going on that a new scam soon replaces the earlier scam in capturing people’s attention.

4. If the powers-that-be are not successful in burying the scam, then the investigation and trial continues for years and years. 

Since the scamster has already squirreled away the loot, the nation’s money is never recovered. Even is the crook is found guilty he gets a very nominal punishment which he appeals against and maybe gets bail and is a free man.

5. During this entire process the scamster brazenly goes about his business and moves around in society as if nothing has happened. 

Unfortunately, in today’s society, there is absolutely no social stigma attached to white collar crimes like corruption and economic offences and scamsters, particularly the high and mighty, are accepted with great veneration and accorded status in high society.

6. The common man loses faith in the system and there is no deterrence for the crooks and scamsters who get emboldened to commit even greater scams more audaciously. 

Owing to its helplessness, the society develops a “chalta hai” attitude towards scams, scandals and corruption and soon corruption becomes an accepted way of life. 

In fact, for many people, corruption is not an evil but a desirable thing as they have a vested interest and benefit from corruption.

7. Lessons learnt from postmortems of previous scams are quickly forgotten and the next scam takes place in the same manner and the vicious cycle of corruption continues.

Does it require great wisdom to prevent scams?

I wish the powers-that-be read this famous Aesop’s Fable of THE FARMER AND THE LION.

The state of SCAM MANAGEMENT seems to be epitomized in this fable.

Once a farmer heard that there was a lion had come from the jungles and was wandering in the vicinity.

Instead of taking precautions to ensure that the lion did not enter his farm, the farmer was intent on catching the lion.

So the farmer left the gate of his farm open; almost as if he were inviting the lion to enter.

On seeing the open gate the lion entered the farm. He immediately pounced on a sheep which he wanted to carry away to eat in peace. 

However, wanting to catch the lion, the farmer shut the gate and trapped the lion.

When the lion discovered that he had been trapped and could not get out, he flew into a rage and violently attacked all the farm animals and livestock and killed all of them and then started destroying the farm.

Now, the farmer got scared and started to fear for his own life so he opened the gate and the lion made off with his kill and went away towards the jungle to eat his meal in peace.

The poor farmer was reduced to tears as he lamented the loss of his cattle and livestock and the destruction of his farm.

MORAL OF THE STORY

Better Scare a thief than try to Snare him.

Do you allow a thief to get into your house, watch him as he steals your belongings and valuables, let him run away and after he has gone away with the loot, you then raise a hue and cry and try to catch him.

I wish the powers-that-be focus on prevention of scams rather than wasting resources on futile time-consuming inquiries and investigations. 

Have we forgotten the dictum: Prevention better than Cure

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 story?
I am sure you will like the 27 fiction 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.

   

WHAT IS ETHICS Part 2 - Codes of Conduct and Ethics

Codes of Conduct and Ethics

By

VIKRAM KARVE

While clearing my bookcase I came across a booklet, we were given, about various aspects of Naval Life when I joined the Naval Academy way back in the 1970’s. In this booklet there was a quote by John Paul Jones - CODE OF A NAVAL OFFICER. These words made a lasting impression on me and I tried to imbibe and follow the spirit of the code in my career and personal life.

John Paul Jones, often called the Father of the American Navy, helped establish the traditions of courage and professionalism and is remembered for his indomitable will, his unwillingness to consider surrender when the slightest hope of victory still burned, and for promoting professional standards and training throughout his naval career.

CODE OF A NAVAL OFFICER

Written by John Paul Jones

It is by no means enough that an officer of the Navy should be a capable mariner. He must be that, of course, but also a great deal more. He should be, as well, a gentleman of liberal education, refined manners, punctilious courtesy, and the nicest sense of personal honor.

He should not only be able to express himself clearly and with force in his own language both with tongue and pen, but he should be versed in French and Spanish as well.

("Own language" obviously means English, which is relevant even today as English is the universal language of officers and the reference to French and Spanish probably pertains to languages of the crew of those days and in today’s context may refer to the languages or mother tongues of ship crew).

He should be the soul of tact, patience, justice, firmness, and charity.

No meritorious act of a subordinate should escape his attention or be left to pass without its reward, even if the reward is only a word of approval.

Conversely, he shouldn’t be blind to a single fault in any subordinate, though at the same time, he should be quick and unfailing to distinguish error from malice, thoughtlessness from incompetence, and well-meant shortcoming from heedless or stupid blunder.

As he should be universal and impartial in his rewards and approval of merit, so he should be judicial and unbending in his punishment or reproof of misconduct.

In one word, every commander should keep constantly before him this great truth, that to be well obeyed, he must be perfectly esteemed.

Compare this with West Point's Cadet Honor Code which reads simply that:

A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, or tolerate those who do

Both the United States Military Academy and the United States Air Force Academy have adopted this Cadet Honor Code as a formalized statement of the minimum standard of ethics expected of cadets.

In contrast, the United States Naval Academy Annapolis has a related standard, known as the Honor Concept. Unlike the  honor codes in other service academies, the Honor Concept allows a midshipman to confront someone committing an honor violation without formally reporting it. 

At the other academies, failure to formally report an honor violation is construed as tolerating it, which is itself a violation of the code. Penalties for violating the Honor Concept can be severe, up to and including expulsion from the Academy. 

Honor Concept

Midshipmen are persons of integrity: We stand for that which is right.

We tell the truth and ensure that the full truth is known. We do not lie.

We embrace fairness in all actions. We ensure that work submitted as their own is their own, and that assistance received from any source is authorized and properly documented. We do not cheat.

We respect the property of others and ensure that others are able to benefit from the use of their own property. We do not steal.

In India we have the Motto of the National Defence Academy (NDA) Pune

Service Before Self

and the Chetwode Credo of the the Indian Military Academy (IMA) Dehra Dun

The safety, honour and welfare of your country comes first, always and every time.
The honour, welfare and comfort of the men you command come next.
Your own ease, comfort and safety come last, always and every time.

Every organisation and institution needs a code of ethics or a code of conduct. It must be stated briefly in simple language, easily understood, realistic and implementable.

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

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      
vikramkarve@gmail.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.