October 29, 2022
Technical Staff
When corruption becomes the norm rather than the exception, the quality of life declines, and social values change. For example, the rule of law diminishes, bribery payment becomes usual and acceptable, nepotism becomes a pride source, and connections are the actual qualifications! People’s morale deteriorates, and the youth lose hope for a better future and country. What would a homeland be worth without its people: its real future! But are the people corrupt?
People Are Not Corrupt.
Several research pieces of evidence show that people generally adapt to social changes. However, the disparity in human behavior is a complex process. The transformation of a society from a low corrupt country to a highly corrupt country becomes visible over the years. Though it varies among countries and communities, most people adapt to societal changes as wealth and power are restructured and reallocated. However, others stick to their principles and values and refuse to blend into mainstream social values. As corruption levels increase, people tend to become corrupt. But it is not limited to the people.
Institutions Are Not Corrupt.
Institutions are not different from people: they also adapt to societal changes. When misconduct infiltrates public institutions, corruption starts to permeate at different paces. Therefore, there are no corrupt institutions; there are dishonest people who work in the institutions. Though, institutions tend to become corrupt as the damages of corruption boost. For example, corruption risks skyrocket when the inflation rate hits two digits, and the employees’ salaries do not increase.
The People’s Ultimate Power
Throughout human history, people have been the source of power. The corrupt is the one the people trust to use the power they delegated to him for the public good, but he does not. He abuses power for his gain, whether directly or indirectly, monetary or non-monetary. As a result, people have the ultimate say in how they regain their power from the corrupt. The corrupt could be a chairman of the board, CEO, CFO, minister, president, or anyone. The people should take back their abused power from the corrupt under the rule of law!
Photo by LT Chan: https://www.pexels.com/photo/illuminated-buildings-on-crowded-city-street-at-night-4799534/
