Government Sector is often accused of corrupt practices. But, what do we actually mean by the term ‘corrupt practices’? Does it confine itself to the domain of mere actions or does it consider the intent with which those actions were committed? The intent is to gain pecuniary benefits from the consumers for own self but the action consists of taking the bribe. The intent with which the bribe has been taken differentiates the intent and the action.
A similar structure exists in the private sector too. Various companies come up with attractive offers which include membership benefits. Those who pay more, are provided better and faster services than those coming under the umbrella of ‘cheaper’ offers. Now, the question arises, how can you compare membership benefits of private sector with corrupt practices in government sector. The former has a positive connotation whereas the latter has a negative connotation. How to differentiate between the two?
Why do you pay bribe? To get your work done faster and jump the queue wherein everybody is supposed to be treated as equals. Why do you pay more for premium memberships? It is to get faster and better services. Both these attributes create an explicit distinction of the haves and have nots. This is somewhat similar to the intent of corrupt practices. So when we consider the perspective of an individual who is not patient enough to wait for his turn, it seems to be a corrupt practice, considering that bribing also amounts to the same unethical practice of corruption. This is irrespective of the sector, government or private. But it’s all the game of perspectives.
Will provide a different perspective in the next post.