Who is Responsible for Corruption – Musings on International Anti-Corruption Day

Today – the 9th of December – is observed as International Anti-Corruption Day. 

On the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day– here is an article I had written around 6 years ago – once more – for reflection...

CORRUPTION – WHO IS RESPONSIBLE…?

Musings on CORRUPTION and CULPABILITY

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Whenever there is a scam – it is quite amusing to see top leaders abdicate responsibility and blaming their juniors.

It seems to have become a standard leadership practice to dodge responsibility for scams, bribery and the corrupt activities – and pass the buck by blaming their juniors who are made scapegoats. 

However – from the ethical point of view – if there is a scam – the Top Man (Head of the Organization) cannot escape culpability – and he must be held accountable for corruption in the organization which he heads. 

When Corruption takes place – there can be 4 scenarios – as far as the Top Leadership – or “TOP MAN” – is concerned:

1. THE TOP MAN INITIATES THE CORRUPTION

The corruption/scam is done at the behest of the leader. 

The “Top Man” initiates the corruption.

(of course – the corruption may be implemented on ground 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 – it is the leader who initiates corruption.

2. THE TOP MAN IS INVOLVED IN THE CORRUPTION

A corruption “system” (systemic corruption) may already be in place in an organization – and the Top Man joins in and becomes a part of it. 

The “Top Man” starts participating in the corruption.

Here is an illustrative example:

“X” joined as the Boss of an inspection organization on deputation. 

He had not served in that organization before. 

At the end of the first month – “X” 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. 

Thus – the “Top Man” 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 organization – but he turns a blind eye to the corruption.

He looks the other way – and he 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 – the Top Man 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 organization – he is ignorant and clueless about the corruption happening in his organization.

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 organization – then he is not fit to head the organization and he must be sacked on grounds of incompetence.

CONCLUSION

It is clear from the four cases elucidated above that the Leader or “Top Man” is fully responsible, accountable and culpable for corruption in his organization because:

It is the Top Man who “INITIATES the corruption” 

or 

The Top Man “is INVOLVED in the corruption” 

or 

The Top Man “turns a BLIND EYE to the corruption” 

or 

The Top Man “is CLUELESS about the corruption”

Yes – it is the “Top Man” in the Organization who does one or more of the following:

1. He initiates the corruption

2. He is involved in the corruption

3. He turns a Blind Eye to the corruption and he lets the corruption happen unhindered

4. He is Clueless about the corruption going on in his organization due to his incompetence and ineptitude?

Hence – it is the “Top Man” or Leader – who initiates – is involved in – turns a blind eye to – or – is clueless about corruption.

In all the four cases the Leader or “Top Man” must be held culpable for the corruption in his organization.

When a scam happens or corruption is prevalent in an organization – the 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 organization – the “Top Man” must be held responsible, accountable and culpable – and he must resign – or be sacked immediately in order to envisage a fair and speedy investigation.

Before I end – let me tell you that in the Navy of yesteryear – the Captain or Commanding Officer was held responsible for anything and everything on his ship or shore establishment – and if anything went wrong – he was summarily sacked. 

However – even in the Navy and other Defence Services – things have changed now – with the Military Leadership taking the cue from political and civilian leadership in the Art of “Management” of Corruption.

There are some exceptions – like the erstwhile Navy Chief who resigned taking moral responsibility for accidents/mishaps – but in most cases – very few Senior Officers accept moral responsibility for corruption/wrongdoings happening under their command – they try to save their own skins and tend to pass the blame to their juniors.

So – the Military Top Brass is quick in taking the cue from Politicians and Bureaucrats.

In fact – it would be better of things were the other way around – and the political and civilian leadership imbibed values from the military – and this tradition of taking responsibility be followed by political leadership and civilian bureaucracy.

Whenever corruption or something wrong happens – the “Top Man” must be held accountable and punished – instead of passing on the blame to juniors.

If we wish to eradicate corruption in an organization (or in a country or state) – the only solution seems to be is to have a scrupulously honest leader – who is committed and decisive in eradicating corruption – and who is ruthless in punishing the corrupt. 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
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Disclaimer:

1. This article is a spoof, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

CHILDREN’S DAY STORY

SHOULD YOU TELL YOUR CHILDREN THIS STORY...?

Once upon a time – long long ago – there was a saying:

HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY

In those days of the distant past – people believed in idealistic things like Ethics and Moral Values – and followed Utopian Codes of Conduct – for example

DO NOT LIE

DO NOT CHEAT

DO NOT STEAL

Young children were taught moral values.

In order to educate them on the ethical and moral aspects of life – children were told fables, parables, inspirational tales and teaching stories. 

However – all these things are irrelevant in today’s modern times.

In fact – if you teach your children such outmoded ethical concepts like speaking the truth and being honest – they will become unfit to live in the modern world. 

As is evident from practical observation – in order to “succeed” in today’s modern times – you must lie – you must cheat – and – you must steal – and – honesty is certainly not the best policy. 

However – for old times sake – here is a story told to us when we were kids – which emphasized obsolete Utopian moral values – and imparted the archaic saying – “honesty is the best policy”.

Do read it – but please do not tell this story to your children – lest they begin to mistakenly think that honesty is good – and they actually start believing that honesty will help them “succeed” in life. 

I suggest that you suitably modify the story to bring it in sync with present day ethics and moral values. 

THE SEED OF INTEGRITY

A Teaching Story 

By

VIKRAM KARVE

Once upon a time there was a childless King who wanted to choose a worthy successor to his throne after he passed away. 

He called all the young children in his Kingdom to his palace one day and said to the children: 

“I feel it is time for me to choose the next King. 

I have decided to choose one of you as my successor – as my Crown Prince – and groom you to be the King after I am gone.”

The amazed children listened spellbound as the King spoke: 

“I am going to give each one of you a seed today. 

Yes – I will give you all just one seed – but it is a very special seed. 

I want you all to go home– plant the seed – water it – nurture it – and come back here to me exactly one year from today with the plant you have grown from this one seed. 

I will then judge the plants that you bring to me – and whoever grows the best plant – he will be the Crown Prince – the next King after me.” 

There was one small shy boy who was there that day – and he too – like the others – received a seed from the King. 

The small shy boy went home – and excitedly told his mother the whole story. 

His mother helped him get a pot and some planting soil – and he planted the seed and watered it regularly and nurtured it carefully.

Twice every day – in the morning and in the evening – the small shy boy would water the seed lovingly and watch to see – if the seed had germinated and grown. 

After a few days – some of the other children began to talk about their seeds and the lovely plants that were beginning to grow.

The small shy boy kept going home and checking his seed. 

He was disappointed that nothing was growing from his seed.

Days passed – then weeks – and months – but still – there was no sign of a plant growing from the small shy boy’s seed. 

But – the small boy still kept lovingly watering his seed regularly hoping that it would germinate.

By now – the other children were talking about their wonderful healthy plants.

But – the small shy boy did not have a plant.

He felt like a failure – but he kept persevering and nurturing his seed with love and dedication – in the optimistic hope that his seed would someday sprout a plant.  

Six months went by – and there was still no sign of a plant in the small shy boy’s pot. 

Everyone else had exquisite tall plants.

But – the small shy boy had nothing. 

Inwardly – he wondered why his seed was not germinating – and he feared that maybe he had not watered it properly – and so – maybe – he had killed his seed.

But – the small shy boy did not say anything to his friends.

He kept on tenderly watering and nurturing his seed with dogged determination and doting devotion – in the fond hope that his seed would grow and blossom into a beautiful plant. 

Finally – one year passed – and all the children of the kingdom brought their plants to the King for inspection. 

The small shy boy was scared and did not want to take his desolate plantless pot with just the soil and seed to the King.

But – his mother encouraged him to go – and she told him to take his pot with him and show it to the King. 

She told the small shy boy to be honest about everything – and speak the truth. 

The small shy boy felt fearful and nervous – but he listened to his mother – and he took his barren pot to the King. 

When the small shy boy arrived at the King’s Palace – he was astonished to see the variety of beautiful and exotic plants grown by all the other children. 

Totally crestfallen – the small shy boy put his desolate pot on the floor.

Everyone jeered in derision – and the other children mocked the small shy boy – and they made fun of the small shy boy and his desolate pot. 

A few children felt pity for him and tried to console the small shy boy. 

Suddenly – the King arrived. 

The King looked around the hall appraising the plants and showered words of praise to the gathered children: 

“It is really amazing – you all have really grown fantastic beautiful plants, trees and flowers. 

I am truly impressed. 

Today – one of you is going to be selected as the Crown Prince to be the next King...!!!” 

The small shy boy shivered with tremors of trepidation.

He was overcome with shame and fear – and he tried to hide in the back.

The King’s eyes searched all over – and suddenly – the King saw the small shy boy at the back of the hall with his barren pot.

The King ordered his guards to bring him in front of the throne.

The small shy boy was terrified – and he thought to himself: 

“When the King looks at my pot – and sees how badly I have failed in the task he gave me – he is sure to punish me...!!!” 

Seeing how frightened the small shy boy was – the King stepped down from his throne – he walked down towards the petrified boy – he lovingly put his hand on the small shy boy’s shoulders and announced: 

“This boy is your new King...!!!”

The small shy boy could not believe his ears.

It was unbelievable that the King should select a failure and loser like him who could not even sprout his seed be the Crown Prince. 

The King escorted the small shy boy to the throne and said to everyone: 

“One year ago – I gave all of you one seed each. 

I told you to take the seed – plant it – water it – and bring it back to me today. 

But what you did not know is that – I gave you all boiled seeds that would not grow. 

Except this honest boy – all of you have brought me beautiful plants with exotic flowers and even trees with fruit. 

When you found out that the seed would not grow – you substituted another seed in the place of the original seed I gave you. 

This boy was the only one with the sincerity to nurture the barren seed for one whole year with dedication, hope and perseverance – and he had the courage and honesty to bring me the desolate pot with my original seed in it. 

Therefore – I select him as my Crown Prince to be the next King...!!!”

I wonder whether this story is relevant today – and – in the current scenario.

Dear Parents: 

You decide – before you tell this story to your kids. 

Or – maybe – you can modify the story accordingly in consonance with the modern value system.

Tell me, Dear Reader, in the world of today:

Is honesty really the best policy...? 

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

All Stories in this Blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the stories are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (all rights reserved)

 

This Story was posted online by me a number of times in my blogs including at urls: http://creative.sulekha.com/is-honesty-the-best-policy_75671_blog and https://karvediat.blogspot.in/2009/04/honesty-is-best-policy.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2012/09/honesty-is-best-policy.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2013/05/do-not-tell-your-children-this-story.html  and http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2011/11/childrens-day-story-seed-of-integrity.html etc 

Humor in Uniform - ART OF CORRUPTION - THE STORY OF A “SQUARE PEG” IN A “ROUND HOLE”

HUMOUR IN UNIFORM

ART OF CORRUPTION

THE STORY OF A “SQUARE PEG”  IN A “ROUND HOLE”

A Spoof

By

VIKRAM KARVE

THE STORY OF A “SQUARE PEG”  IN A “ROUND HOLE” – An Apocryphal Story By VIKRAM KARVE

“J” was an honest, sincere, upright, straightforward, patriotic, service minded officer.

He truly epitomized the motto of his alma mater: “SERVICE BEFORE SELF”.

“J” also scrupulously followed his Academy Honour Code: “I shall not Lie, Cheat or Steal, and I will not tolerate those who do so”.

In a nutshell, “J” possessed ideal OLQ (Officer Like Qualities).

One day, most unexpectedly, “J” was posted to a “lucrative” appointment.

Everyone was surprised.

There had to be some mistake somewhere.

How could a morally upright officer like “J” be appointed to such a “profitable” appointment?

There were rumors that this most “sought after” appointment was auctioned.

Or you had to have heavy pull to get this “prize” appointment.

Or sometimes they gave it to “loyal” officers on the verge of retirement to enable them to settle down “comfortably” after retirement.

While others were surprised – “J” was aghast on seeing his appointment letter.

“J” was a career conscious officer.

Till now, his track record had been perfect.

“J” had done all the right courses; he had even qualified the prestigious staff college.

“J” had held the best of appointments – in operations, on staff and in training.

And, suddenly, out of the blue, this had happened – an appointment to a peripheral organization which had quite a sleazy reputation.

Were they trying to sideline him?

Was it the end of the road for his naval career ambitions?

Had they put him on a slippery slope?

“J” told his boss to get the transfer cancelled, saying: “There is no way I am going there. I do not want to work in a corrupt organization.”

The boss looked sympathetically at “J” and said: “It’s no use. I have already spoken to everyone to have your appointment cancelled. But orders for your transfer have come from the top. They want an honest and upright officer to clean up that organization and you have been handpicked to do the job. So you have to go. I am sure you will be able to sort out those corrupt buggers and set right matters over there.”

After “J” left, the boss murmured to himself: “I only hope that he sorts them out, and that they don’t sort him out instead.”

“J” reported to his new assignment, and from day one, he got on the job, setting things right, and ensuring that everything was done honestly, strictly as per the rules and regulations.

All corrupt activities were stopped.

A few honest vendors and contractors were happy that things had been streamlined and they did not have to pay bribes anymore as long as they did things properly.

But most vendors and contractors, who had got used to profiteering by subverting the system, were most unhappy, and, as an immediate expression of their displeasure, they stopped paying the customary “mamool” and the time-honored monthly “hafta” to the employees of the office where “J” was in-charge.

Everyone tried their best to corrupt “J” – but he would not budge.

When they tried to bribe him with money, “J” refused and said: “The salary I get is enough to meet my needs, so I don’t need any extra money.”

When they tried to induce him by offering him a flat in a posh township at “concessional” rates, “J” refused and said: “My father has left me a bungalow, so I don’t need a house.”

When they offered him prized bottles of the choicest Single Malt Whisky, “J” refused and said: “I drink Rum – and I can get as much rum as I want from the canteen.”

They tried everything – gifts, perks, favors, booze, discounts, kickbacks – but nothing worked.

His fellow officers in the organization were worried that “J” was setting a dangerous precedent.

They feared that if they did not act fast, the “virus of honesty” may contaminate the entire organization.

So, they counseled “J” and advised him not to “rock the boat” and let things go on as they were going on for so many years.

But nothing worked, and “J” remained steadfast in his honesty.

It was decided to call a meeting to discuss the issue.

Vendors, Contractors, all the staff of J’s office, even a rep from the organization’s headquarters, were present.

A “consultant” (who was an expert on bribery and corruption) was specially invited.

“We are all in bad shape ever since “J” has arrived. All commissions, mamool, hafta,cuts – all our earnings have stopped. I am finding it impossible to pay my EMIs of the flat I have booked – had I known that an officer like “J” was coming I would never have booked that expensive flat. Even day-to-day living has become difficult,” the No. 2 man in J’s office complained.

“I have never seen a terrible bugger like “J” – he just won’t eat money, and does not let us eat money,” someone said, “He seems incorruptible.”

“No one is incorruptible,” the consultant said, “everyone has a price.”

“But we tried everything possible – money, gifts, booze, concessional flat, plot of land – he doesn’t want anything,” the No. 2 man said.

“He must have some weakness which can be exploited,” the consultant said.

“I don’t know whether I should say this?” a young lady, a stenographer, who was J’s secretary, said.

“Say whatever you have to say. We need to brainstorm,” the consultant said.

“I have seen him giving me the glad eye when he thought I wasn’t looking,” she said.

“See I told you – the bugger has got to have some weakness,” the consultant was exultant, “so your boss had got a roving eye for beautiful women.”

“I think so – the way he looks at me with yearning in his eyes,” the steno said shyly.

An entrepreneur, who was the main vendor, looked at the steno and said: “Why don’t you…?”

“Me? Are you crazy? How can you even say such things?” the steno shouted angrily.

“Don’t worry. I have handled many such cases. I will make all the arrangements,” the consultants said, “But we will need some funds…”

“Not to worry. We will finance everything,” the contractors and vendors said in unison.

“Now we have to find an opportune time,” the “corruption consultant” said.

The No. 2 man looked at the consultant and said: “I think he will be living alone from Monday onwards. His wife is going away to her mother’s place along with the children for the summer vacation.”

“Then what are we waiting for? This is the opportune moment? See – everything is falling into place. You go ahead and talk to him and I will arrange everything accordingly,” the consultant said.

Seeing the confused look on the No. 2 man’s face, the consultant said: “You don’t worry – I will tell you exactly what you should do.”

On Monday morning, the No. 2 man entered J’s office, and after some official discussion, the No. 2 man looked at “J” and slyly said: “Sir, madam has gone away so you must be feeling lonely. If you want I can arrange some company for you.”

“Not to worry,” “J” said, “I have the company of my books. I plan to catch up on my reading.”

“Sir, not that type of company – I meant something to fulfill your desires,” the No. 2 man said.

“To fulfill my desires – what do you mean?” “J” asked, puzzled.

“Sir, we can arrange for you have a good time – the best girls, Sir, whatever you want – models, film stars, college girls, housewives, matured girls, working girls, virgins, aunties – top class girls, Sir – very discreet, Sir, as per your choice and taste – Sir, you name it and we will arrange whatever you want.”

“J” could not believe what he was hearing. 

He looked in stunned silence at his No. 2 man.

The No. 2 man broke the silence and he said to “J”: “Sir, if you prefer male – we can arrange cute boys, macho men….”

“You get out of here immediately or I will take disciplinary action against you…” yelled“J”.

“J” looked so angry, so furious, that it looked like he was going to have a fit – so the No. 2 man ran away.

EPILOGUE

They did not succeed in corrupting “J” who remained scrupulously honest for his entire tenure.

Yes, “J” proved that he was truly incorruptible.

After completing his tenure of 2 years without blemish, “J” moved on to his “criteria appointment”.

Then a sad thing happened.

“J” was passed over for promotion.

“J” was so devastated by his supersession that he quit the navy immediately.

I am happy to report that “J” did extremely well in his second innings in the “civvy street” and is enjoying great success in the corporate sector.

Though “J” still feels bad about quitting the service he loved so much – the fact of the matter is that J’s departure was a greater loss to the service than to “J”.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 
1. If you share this post, please give due credit to the author Vikram Karve
2. Please DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. Please DO NOT Cut/Copy/Paste this post
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Disclaimer:

1. This story is a spoof, pure fiction, just for fun and humor, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.

2. All stories in this blog are a work of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the story are a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Copyright Notice:

No part of this Blog may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Blog Author Vikram Karve who holds the copyright.

Copyright © Vikram Karve (All Rights Reserved)

     

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

 

Re-Post of my Story Earlier Posted by me Vikram Karve in my Academic and Creative Writing Journal Blog at 3/07/2014 04:03:00 PM at url: http://karvediat.blogspot.in/2014/03/humor-in-uniform-square-peg-in-round.html