November 14, 2022

Though it may seem a simple question to many people, it may not. But it is so dangerous for citizens and officials not to have a reasonable and satisfactory understanding of what corruption is and what to do about it. Though it varies among countries, illiteracy about corruption comes at a cost.

As those who are charged with governance and executive management set the tone at the top, they should lead by example and become anti-corruption literate. They should also ensure that all employees obtain proper anti-corruption training to enable them to play their roles in preventing, deterring, detecting, and reporting corruption. It applies to all economic sectors without exceptions.

Suppose you are a decision maker in your organization, i.e., company, ministry, university, etc. In that case, I recommend you survey your organization and ask them two straightforward questions: 1. What would be a corrupt act in the organization? 2. Are you aware of ongoing corruption in the organization and do not know to whom you should report it? You shall be surprised by the results! However, you should respond to the anti-corruption realities in your board room, executive suite, and organization.

Ask them two straightforward questions: 1. What would be a corrupt act in the organization? 2. Are you aware of ongoing corruption in the organization and do not know to whom you should report it?

Although the ultimate objective for the corrupt, whether a chairperson of a board, minister, or head of state, is to keep power dearly at any cost, I do not think a country or an organization can afford not to fight corruption intelligently and methodically.

Excessive and sustained (high levels of) corruption will ultimately result in violent social unrest and a failed state. By the end of the day, fighting corruption is a choice and must always be a choice. Can you imagine what the cost would be when fighting corruption is not a choice anymore?

^{Photo by Negative Space: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-walking-on-sidewalk-near-people-standing-and-sitting-beside-curtain-wall-building-34092/}