Newspapers and Decision making for the upright manager on Corruption
Mangers exist everywhere and they must, or be seen to be, taking decisions time and time again. It really doesn’t matter the type of business, organization, deal or activity a manager is tasked with. In essence, all people are managers. The big question then becomes ‘is your next cause of action going to be corrupt or not?’ The upright manager should always think before deciding.
We must acknowledge that sometimes there is a dilemma as to whether a decision is corrupt or not. For example, offering employment to needy kids amounts to child labour yet the kids really need some money to survive. What should and upright manager do in such a situation.
Think Mr/Ms. Manager!
Populating all possible answers makes a good start, and then a manger should ask himself/herself who would take interest in the decision and should they not like it, who would they tell and how? Many stakeholders and interested individuals have no interest in telling someone but to publicise corruption on newspapers. Just as an eye opener, the same newspapers can be a good tool for you as a manager to decide on what cause of action is the best. Think what the world would say if your decision could be publicised in tomorrow’s most rest newspaper. What would happen to you?
Hill (2009; p. 144) put his questions as follows:
- Does my decision fall within the acceptable values or standards that typically apply in the organizational environment?
- Am I willing to see the decision communicated to all stakeholders affected by it – for example, by having it reported in newspapers or television?
- Would the people with whom I have a significant personal relationship, such as family members, friends, or even managers in other businesses, approve of the decision?
Conclude Mr/Ms. Manager!
Scenario 1
If you think the legal system and the people would like your decision, jump because you are free to implement it. At least it must a majority of the people. Never mind about external businesses such as those in other countries if your business doesn’t do business with them. After all, in most cases they don’t care or even know you exist. However, if your decision would affect other players, even international ones, think of their reaction too.
Scenario 2
If you think the legal system and the people around you or whoever is affected wont mind, then you have to rely on your personal ethics. For example, as individuals, we are typically taught that it is wrong to lie, cheat – its unethical – and that it is right to behave with integrity and honour and to stand up for what we believe is right. This is generally true in all societies (Hill 2009; p.132).
Scenario 3
Lastly, if you know that your decision wont be accepted, do yourself a favour and consider other options.
Decide Mr/Ms. Manager!
If you don’t mind getting involved in trouble, go for an unethical and corrupt decision. You will have your name go into black books and I’m sure you don’t want to know the redeeming price. You may enjoy the benefits of corruption but for a while and rest assured that lasting payback time is coming.
The best is doing what is right and avoid getting involved in corruption. It all is an individuals choice: there is also a price to pay after death for the corrupt!
