sweetshweta88
Shweta Palrecha
IS POWER CORRUPTED?
What do you mean by power?
There are various definitions given for power. One of them is given below
“ Power refers to the ability to change or control others behavior even against their will and in the face of resistance from them.”
BY R.A.BARON.
From the definition itself we can come to know that power means the ultimate authority. In today’s world it is completely fair to say that power is corrupted.
Corruption is ubiquitous and unlimited. It has become all pervading, a world phenomenon. It has increased by leaps and bounds worldwide, in direct relation and proportion to our moral degradation, destruction of character, devaluation of moral values and lust for power and money. It is said that when character is lost everything is lost. There is no character and so we have lost all. The political leaders, the heads of governments and others at helm of the affairs of many nations are corrupt and corruption is contagious. It spreads rapidly and percolates to all lower levels. It is there in Japan, Italy, Pakistan, Mexico, china, Iraq, Iran, America and England, etc. There is no country immune from it. There might be a difference of degrees, but as far as its quality is considered, there is hardly any difference.
Corruption in India is rampant and well established in all spheres of our life- public life, politics, administration, business, judicial system, education, research and security. Power has become the main cause of corruption. Where there is power there is corruption. There is hardly any exception. There are scandals and scams in plenty. In foreign countries, when corruption charges are proved there is suitable punishment, but in India there is no system, no tradition to bring the corrupt to trial and then to make him pay for his crime. There is crime but no punishment. It is a salient feature of Indian corruption.
In a write-up, Mr. K. Subrahmanyan has wittily remarked, “long before our economic globalization began, India was globalize in respect of political corruption and politician organized rime nexus. Therefore, smugglers, narcotics’ barons, vice syndicates and protection rackets have become patrons of political parties. The former provides large resources to politicians and the latter ensures no legal enforcement against organized crime”. As has already been pointed out, we have no system, no tradition either to punish the guilty or to bring an investigation to its logistical conclusion. Moreover, public memory is very short.
Corruption has become a way of life. There is no effective check on this growing menace because there is lack of political will. In spite of anti-corruption departments and squads, it has permeated the rank and the file of the administration. No work can be done unless the palms of the concerned officials are greased. Lubricant in the form of gratification is a must to make the administrative machinery move smoothly in your favor. First satisfy the officials and then get satisfying results in return. Often, investigations by CBI and vigilance have proved futile. Such is power of manipulation, money and nepotism. Kickbacks, gratifications, bribes and commissions are the order of the day. Students pay capitation fees to get admission in professional courses, job-seekers purchase positions in the administration, contractors grease the palms of the engineers so as to enable themselves to use sand in place of cement in contractual constructions, businessmen use the appropriate ‘lubricant’ to keep their illegal operations moving smoothly. And then these people, in turn, want to regain their money manifold and quickly by resorting to fraudulent, easy and corrupt means. Thus there is vicious circle engulfing all and sundry.
Even the corporate sector is no exception. There is lots of corruption present in the corporate sector. From top to bottom everyone today misuses his or her power.
“The corporate world is bad! It’s all dirty politics!!” That’s the general impression most of us have about the senior management. Many companies may indulge in a lot of dirty games to achieve and/or retain power.
They could also resort to such tactics in order to kill competition, to gain more profits or to be in the limelight – all through manipulations.
Obviously, it’s good to hear about ethics and moral values in the classroom and during your management courses. However, when it comes to practice – it is better said than done.
We may write off this in a ubiquitous statement: “Kalyug hai” (We’re in a bad era)
however, there is hope. Despite all the corruption, there are still a few organizations where values are maintained and principles are adhered to. But for such a thing to happen in all organizations, today’s businessmen have to take a very positive step.
Kautilya advices,
“He should not effect the corruption of the uncorrupted as of water by poison; for, it may well happen that a cure may not be found for one corrupted” (1.10.18)
A senior person must look at the following tips in order to create a beautiful, uncorrupted organization: This thought has to be inculcated right at the start - the day the young managers / trainees join the companies with a hope in their hearts.
Do not corrupt the uncorrupted young minds for they follow what you teach them. Just like children, even people working under you will naturally watch you and copy your actions.
We have to be positive role models, persons who practice what they preach. Just like professors are God for college students, so too immediate superiors are like God for any employee.
Be A Mentor, Not A Boss
The era of Boss is over. If you boss over your employees, they will run away the moment they get a better opportunity. In fact, there’s a modern saying in the corporate world: “People do not leave organizations; they leave their bosses”. So be a mentor who guides them.
Introduce Spirituality
It is the latest trend in the corporate world and disciplines like Yoga and meditation have gained a lot of popularity. Go a step beyond. Invite spiritual people to give talks in your organization. And just like you have various consultants in your organization, you can even approach some noble person to be your organization’s ‘spiritual guide’.
Moid Siddiqui, who is a leading personality in the area of ‘spirituality at work place’, wrote in his book ‘Soul Inc’ that “..... Some of the best lessons I learnt about values were by watching by saint-like seniors”.
So set a new trend by your own thoughts and actions.
Always remember - “Another world is possible”....
The games people play
Corrupt individuals depend on rationalizations to justify their behavior, including:
Denying responsibility: actors convince themselves they had no choice but to participate in unethical behavior.
Denying injury: if no one is hurt, the behavior isn't really unethical.
Denying victims: blaming violated parties for what happened on the grounds that they "deserved it."
Social weighting: this rationalization includes condemning anyone who questions their actions as a way of mitigating the charges. Individuals may also focus on other companies that are "worse than we are" as a way to deflect responsibility.
Appeal to higher loyalties: unethical behavior is justified if it was "for a good cause" like loyalty or higher ideals.
Metaphor of the ledger: using seniority or other variables to justify unethical behavior on the grounds that they have earned the right.
As a group, department or organization systemically adopts rationalizations, employees reinforce each other's behavior and corruption is accepted as valid business practice. But this is not to say that individuals are not aware that their behavior violates societal norms –- that's why people don't talk about their actions outside of work. Instead, they compartmentalize their lives so that work becomes a separate world with different rules and norms -- a world that neighbors and friends wouldn't understand.
Socialization is another critical factor in understanding how corruption becomes institutionalized. To survive, newcomers must be initiated into the organization's corrupt systems. "You cannot coerce corruption in an organization because people will rebel," Ashforth says. Instead, organizations subtly socialize newcomers by rewarding attitude change toward unethical behaviors, gradually introducing corrupt activity, and creating situations where individuals feel they must compromise their values to solve problems. The key is to convince the newcomer that she or he has a choice all along when in fact, they really don't
In India, corruption is something we all learn to live with. But wait! We need not be resigned to it or cynical. Instead of breast-beating over the sorry state of affairs, let's explore the solutions. Maybe there are no satisfactory answers to our questions
Seeing a babu in a government office counting soiled fifty rupee notes in full view of all and sundry did for me what all the grainy Tehelka tapes could not. It brought home the sordid reality that is corruption. Corruption that is all around us, omnipresent, almost like a distorted, antithetical version of God for the New Millennium.
Says Aresh Shirali, the thirty-something executive editor of A&M magazine: "Like most people of my age group, I am nauseated by the epidemic proportions corruption has acquired in India. It is literally under every stone you turn." It is also in every alley you turn into, every nook and cranny you might care to peep into. It happens as much in broad daylight as it does behind closed doors. It is as much a part of my life as it is of yours.
It may be as much because of you as it is because of me.
Honest, sincere and god-fearing officials are looked down upon. They are considered simpletons, while the bribe takers are the heroes. The corrupt officials are doing very well for themselves and their higher-ups patronice and protect them because of their fair share in the bribes. These people have fat bank balances, houses in prime localities, and all modern amenities. They are really rolling in wealth and comprise the most successful segment of the society. There are a few honest ones but they are not courageous enough to condemn and criticize their dishonest and bribe-happy colleagues. They are silent spectators to their corrupt counterparts, being favored with important posts and assignments. The honest officers are a demoralized lot.
Corruption cannot be checked and minimized unless political leaders themselves are honest and have a strong will and desire to stem the rot. The leaders should encourage honest officials and help them to unite against corrupt and dishonest ones. Corruption should be dealt with an iron hand and further rules and regulations enacted to punish the corrupt government servants and administrators. Nepotism, favoritism, and redtapism, etc should be eliminated because they form the very basis of corruption. Improvement in salaries, creation of more employment opportunities can go a long way in taking the menace successfully.
Lets take the example of Priya Tendulkar, the way she resisted to corruption.
Priya Tendulkar did it by resisting pressure to pay 'speed money'. Recounting her experience, she says: "Some years ago, I was producing a serial for Doordarshan, the Indian national television channel. Regulations required separate approval for each episode. This was post-Rajni, so people knew me. I would go to the director at Mandi House (Doordarshan headquarters in Delhi, India) and collect my approvals. Some officials who actually signed the documents tried to delay my work. They were unhappy that they could not extract anything from me for their labor. So they tried every trick to make me shell out. I remained firm on my resolve not to bribe. Then they sent a middleman to me who volunteered to solve my problems. I complained to the director who instructed that the man not be entertained any more. This middleman then took to making threatening calls from public phones in my locality, hurling the choicest of abuses
"So you see, it is possible. We can contribute our bit by not being cowed down by the mean ways of small men." Another person who stuck by his ideals even when the going got tough was Khairnar. Of his lifelong crusade against corruption, he says: "It is possible to be honest in a world rampant with corruption. Possible, but very, very difficult. Colleagues deprived of their share of ill-earned booty, make life difficult in the office. The honest officer also earns the ire of superiors who are themselves under tremendous pressure from political bosses. Memos may be sent. Inquiry committees bent on vindication” So you see, it is possible. We can contribute our bit by not being cowed down by the mean ways of small men." Another person who stuck by his ideals even when the going got tough was Khairnar. Of his lifelong crusade against corruption, he says: "It is possible to be honest in a world rampant with corruption. Possible, but very, very difficult. Colleagues deprived of their share of ill-earned booty, make life difficult in the office. The honest officer also earns the ire of superiors who are themselves under tremendous pressure from political bosses. Memos may be sent. Inquiry committees bent on vindication may be ordered against the erring official and transfers may be affected. The officer may also find himself framed in a legal trap. Life becomes difficult. Thus hated, isolated, and beaten, an honest man feels lonely and confused. What makes it a hard battle and an unfair one is the honest man's inability to pay his legal bills. His scrupulous honesty pits him against powerful vested interests. He has to fight on his own."
He sums up his life in one sentence: "Today one does not have to be a revolutionary to create a storm. Being honest is enough."
Honesty is conspicuous these days by its absence. According to the newspaper report, even the judiciary does not seem to be free from the evil. The former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, E.S. venkatramaiya speaking in an interview said, ”the judiciary in India had deteriorated in its standard because such judges are appointed as are willing to be influenced by lavish parties and whisky bottles.” He added, “In every high court, there are at least four to five judges who are practically out every evening, wining and dining either at a lawyers house or a foreign embassy.” Corruption is now so well organized and entrenched in the system that it requires a will of steel and the courage of a lion to fight it. Now, effective and strong strategies, backed by strong political will, should be devised to checkmate it. There should be deterrent punishment for those indulging in corruption.
Both giving and taking of bribes should be a cognizable offence. Much depends upon our political leaders, bureaucrats and the enlightened public consciousness. Unless these three units make sincere efforts and show their commitment to the democratic nation and society, nothing much will be achieved to check and eliminate corruption.
The following paragraph, quoted in The Way and its Power by Arthur Waley, elucidates this further:
The adherence of all under heaven can only be won by letting alone.
How do I know that it is so?
By this.
The more prohibitions there are, the more ritual avoidance,
The poorer the people will be.
The more sharp weapons there are,
The more benighted will the whole land grow.
The more cunning craftsmen there are,
The more pernicious contrivances will be invented
The more laws are promulgated,
The more thieves and bandits there
will be.
Therefore, a sage has said:
So long as I 'do nothing' the people will of themselves be transformed
So long as I love quietude, the people will of themselves go straight.
So long as I act only by inactivity the people will of themselves become prosperous.
So long as I have no wants the people will of themselves return to the 'state of the Uncarved Block."
What do you mean by power?
There are various definitions given for power. One of them is given below
“ Power refers to the ability to change or control others behavior even against their will and in the face of resistance from them.”
BY R.A.BARON.
From the definition itself we can come to know that power means the ultimate authority. In today’s world it is completely fair to say that power is corrupted.
Corruption is ubiquitous and unlimited. It has become all pervading, a world phenomenon. It has increased by leaps and bounds worldwide, in direct relation and proportion to our moral degradation, destruction of character, devaluation of moral values and lust for power and money. It is said that when character is lost everything is lost. There is no character and so we have lost all. The political leaders, the heads of governments and others at helm of the affairs of many nations are corrupt and corruption is contagious. It spreads rapidly and percolates to all lower levels. It is there in Japan, Italy, Pakistan, Mexico, china, Iraq, Iran, America and England, etc. There is no country immune from it. There might be a difference of degrees, but as far as its quality is considered, there is hardly any difference.
Corruption in India is rampant and well established in all spheres of our life- public life, politics, administration, business, judicial system, education, research and security. Power has become the main cause of corruption. Where there is power there is corruption. There is hardly any exception. There are scandals and scams in plenty. In foreign countries, when corruption charges are proved there is suitable punishment, but in India there is no system, no tradition to bring the corrupt to trial and then to make him pay for his crime. There is crime but no punishment. It is a salient feature of Indian corruption.
In a write-up, Mr. K. Subrahmanyan has wittily remarked, “long before our economic globalization began, India was globalize in respect of political corruption and politician organized rime nexus. Therefore, smugglers, narcotics’ barons, vice syndicates and protection rackets have become patrons of political parties. The former provides large resources to politicians and the latter ensures no legal enforcement against organized crime”. As has already been pointed out, we have no system, no tradition either to punish the guilty or to bring an investigation to its logistical conclusion. Moreover, public memory is very short.
Corruption has become a way of life. There is no effective check on this growing menace because there is lack of political will. In spite of anti-corruption departments and squads, it has permeated the rank and the file of the administration. No work can be done unless the palms of the concerned officials are greased. Lubricant in the form of gratification is a must to make the administrative machinery move smoothly in your favor. First satisfy the officials and then get satisfying results in return. Often, investigations by CBI and vigilance have proved futile. Such is power of manipulation, money and nepotism. Kickbacks, gratifications, bribes and commissions are the order of the day. Students pay capitation fees to get admission in professional courses, job-seekers purchase positions in the administration, contractors grease the palms of the engineers so as to enable themselves to use sand in place of cement in contractual constructions, businessmen use the appropriate ‘lubricant’ to keep their illegal operations moving smoothly. And then these people, in turn, want to regain their money manifold and quickly by resorting to fraudulent, easy and corrupt means. Thus there is vicious circle engulfing all and sundry.
Even the corporate sector is no exception. There is lots of corruption present in the corporate sector. From top to bottom everyone today misuses his or her power.
“The corporate world is bad! It’s all dirty politics!!” That’s the general impression most of us have about the senior management. Many companies may indulge in a lot of dirty games to achieve and/or retain power.
They could also resort to such tactics in order to kill competition, to gain more profits or to be in the limelight – all through manipulations.
Obviously, it’s good to hear about ethics and moral values in the classroom and during your management courses. However, when it comes to practice – it is better said than done.
We may write off this in a ubiquitous statement: “Kalyug hai” (We’re in a bad era)
however, there is hope. Despite all the corruption, there are still a few organizations where values are maintained and principles are adhered to. But for such a thing to happen in all organizations, today’s businessmen have to take a very positive step.
Kautilya advices,
“He should not effect the corruption of the uncorrupted as of water by poison; for, it may well happen that a cure may not be found for one corrupted” (1.10.18)
A senior person must look at the following tips in order to create a beautiful, uncorrupted organization: This thought has to be inculcated right at the start - the day the young managers / trainees join the companies with a hope in their hearts.
Do not corrupt the uncorrupted young minds for they follow what you teach them. Just like children, even people working under you will naturally watch you and copy your actions.
We have to be positive role models, persons who practice what they preach. Just like professors are God for college students, so too immediate superiors are like God for any employee.
Be A Mentor, Not A Boss
The era of Boss is over. If you boss over your employees, they will run away the moment they get a better opportunity. In fact, there’s a modern saying in the corporate world: “People do not leave organizations; they leave their bosses”. So be a mentor who guides them.
Introduce Spirituality
It is the latest trend in the corporate world and disciplines like Yoga and meditation have gained a lot of popularity. Go a step beyond. Invite spiritual people to give talks in your organization. And just like you have various consultants in your organization, you can even approach some noble person to be your organization’s ‘spiritual guide’.
Moid Siddiqui, who is a leading personality in the area of ‘spirituality at work place’, wrote in his book ‘Soul Inc’ that “..... Some of the best lessons I learnt about values were by watching by saint-like seniors”.
So set a new trend by your own thoughts and actions.
Always remember - “Another world is possible”....
The games people play
Corrupt individuals depend on rationalizations to justify their behavior, including:
Denying responsibility: actors convince themselves they had no choice but to participate in unethical behavior.
Denying injury: if no one is hurt, the behavior isn't really unethical.
Denying victims: blaming violated parties for what happened on the grounds that they "deserved it."
Social weighting: this rationalization includes condemning anyone who questions their actions as a way of mitigating the charges. Individuals may also focus on other companies that are "worse than we are" as a way to deflect responsibility.
Appeal to higher loyalties: unethical behavior is justified if it was "for a good cause" like loyalty or higher ideals.
Metaphor of the ledger: using seniority or other variables to justify unethical behavior on the grounds that they have earned the right.
As a group, department or organization systemically adopts rationalizations, employees reinforce each other's behavior and corruption is accepted as valid business practice. But this is not to say that individuals are not aware that their behavior violates societal norms –- that's why people don't talk about their actions outside of work. Instead, they compartmentalize their lives so that work becomes a separate world with different rules and norms -- a world that neighbors and friends wouldn't understand.
Socialization is another critical factor in understanding how corruption becomes institutionalized. To survive, newcomers must be initiated into the organization's corrupt systems. "You cannot coerce corruption in an organization because people will rebel," Ashforth says. Instead, organizations subtly socialize newcomers by rewarding attitude change toward unethical behaviors, gradually introducing corrupt activity, and creating situations where individuals feel they must compromise their values to solve problems. The key is to convince the newcomer that she or he has a choice all along when in fact, they really don't
In India, corruption is something we all learn to live with. But wait! We need not be resigned to it or cynical. Instead of breast-beating over the sorry state of affairs, let's explore the solutions. Maybe there are no satisfactory answers to our questions
Seeing a babu in a government office counting soiled fifty rupee notes in full view of all and sundry did for me what all the grainy Tehelka tapes could not. It brought home the sordid reality that is corruption. Corruption that is all around us, omnipresent, almost like a distorted, antithetical version of God for the New Millennium.
Says Aresh Shirali, the thirty-something executive editor of A&M magazine: "Like most people of my age group, I am nauseated by the epidemic proportions corruption has acquired in India. It is literally under every stone you turn." It is also in every alley you turn into, every nook and cranny you might care to peep into. It happens as much in broad daylight as it does behind closed doors. It is as much a part of my life as it is of yours.
It may be as much because of you as it is because of me.
Honest, sincere and god-fearing officials are looked down upon. They are considered simpletons, while the bribe takers are the heroes. The corrupt officials are doing very well for themselves and their higher-ups patronice and protect them because of their fair share in the bribes. These people have fat bank balances, houses in prime localities, and all modern amenities. They are really rolling in wealth and comprise the most successful segment of the society. There are a few honest ones but they are not courageous enough to condemn and criticize their dishonest and bribe-happy colleagues. They are silent spectators to their corrupt counterparts, being favored with important posts and assignments. The honest officers are a demoralized lot.
Corruption cannot be checked and minimized unless political leaders themselves are honest and have a strong will and desire to stem the rot. The leaders should encourage honest officials and help them to unite against corrupt and dishonest ones. Corruption should be dealt with an iron hand and further rules and regulations enacted to punish the corrupt government servants and administrators. Nepotism, favoritism, and redtapism, etc should be eliminated because they form the very basis of corruption. Improvement in salaries, creation of more employment opportunities can go a long way in taking the menace successfully.
Lets take the example of Priya Tendulkar, the way she resisted to corruption.
Priya Tendulkar did it by resisting pressure to pay 'speed money'. Recounting her experience, she says: "Some years ago, I was producing a serial for Doordarshan, the Indian national television channel. Regulations required separate approval for each episode. This was post-Rajni, so people knew me. I would go to the director at Mandi House (Doordarshan headquarters in Delhi, India) and collect my approvals. Some officials who actually signed the documents tried to delay my work. They were unhappy that they could not extract anything from me for their labor. So they tried every trick to make me shell out. I remained firm on my resolve not to bribe. Then they sent a middleman to me who volunteered to solve my problems. I complained to the director who instructed that the man not be entertained any more. This middleman then took to making threatening calls from public phones in my locality, hurling the choicest of abuses
"So you see, it is possible. We can contribute our bit by not being cowed down by the mean ways of small men." Another person who stuck by his ideals even when the going got tough was Khairnar. Of his lifelong crusade against corruption, he says: "It is possible to be honest in a world rampant with corruption. Possible, but very, very difficult. Colleagues deprived of their share of ill-earned booty, make life difficult in the office. The honest officer also earns the ire of superiors who are themselves under tremendous pressure from political bosses. Memos may be sent. Inquiry committees bent on vindication” So you see, it is possible. We can contribute our bit by not being cowed down by the mean ways of small men." Another person who stuck by his ideals even when the going got tough was Khairnar. Of his lifelong crusade against corruption, he says: "It is possible to be honest in a world rampant with corruption. Possible, but very, very difficult. Colleagues deprived of their share of ill-earned booty, make life difficult in the office. The honest officer also earns the ire of superiors who are themselves under tremendous pressure from political bosses. Memos may be sent. Inquiry committees bent on vindication may be ordered against the erring official and transfers may be affected. The officer may also find himself framed in a legal trap. Life becomes difficult. Thus hated, isolated, and beaten, an honest man feels lonely and confused. What makes it a hard battle and an unfair one is the honest man's inability to pay his legal bills. His scrupulous honesty pits him against powerful vested interests. He has to fight on his own."
He sums up his life in one sentence: "Today one does not have to be a revolutionary to create a storm. Being honest is enough."
Honesty is conspicuous these days by its absence. According to the newspaper report, even the judiciary does not seem to be free from the evil. The former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, E.S. venkatramaiya speaking in an interview said, ”the judiciary in India had deteriorated in its standard because such judges are appointed as are willing to be influenced by lavish parties and whisky bottles.” He added, “In every high court, there are at least four to five judges who are practically out every evening, wining and dining either at a lawyers house or a foreign embassy.” Corruption is now so well organized and entrenched in the system that it requires a will of steel and the courage of a lion to fight it. Now, effective and strong strategies, backed by strong political will, should be devised to checkmate it. There should be deterrent punishment for those indulging in corruption.
Both giving and taking of bribes should be a cognizable offence. Much depends upon our political leaders, bureaucrats and the enlightened public consciousness. Unless these three units make sincere efforts and show their commitment to the democratic nation and society, nothing much will be achieved to check and eliminate corruption.
The following paragraph, quoted in The Way and its Power by Arthur Waley, elucidates this further:
The adherence of all under heaven can only be won by letting alone.
How do I know that it is so?
By this.
The more prohibitions there are, the more ritual avoidance,
The poorer the people will be.
The more sharp weapons there are,
The more benighted will the whole land grow.
The more cunning craftsmen there are,
The more pernicious contrivances will be invented
The more laws are promulgated,
The more thieves and bandits there
will be.
Therefore, a sage has said:
So long as I 'do nothing' the people will of themselves be transformed
So long as I love quietude, the people will of themselves go straight.
So long as I act only by inactivity the people will of themselves become prosperous.
So long as I have no wants the people will of themselves return to the 'state of the Uncarved Block."