Have we gone from a nation high in corruption to a nation that sees high corruption, in any case?
I pose this question because of a recent finding that corporate executives are as corrupt, perhaps more, than our petty clerks, babus and netas. The other findings raise even more doubts. For example, corruption in the recruitment process, even in promotions and performance appraisal.
Let’s get some of the details of the
survey, as reported by PTI.
In the survey, by the New Delhi-based Marketing and Development Research Associates, an overwhelming 86% of the 742 private-sector employees in the NCR (National Capital Region) and six other cities said corruption was rampant in India Inc. Curiously, the employees felt corruption was higher in the higher echelons of management.
Where did the workers most see corruption? In procurement (22%) and project implementation (17%).
In which functions did they see most corruption? Recruitment (36%) and promotions/performance appraisals (24%).
The Satyam scandal may have weighed heavily on the minds of the surveyed employees. Even if you discounted that factor, it is hard to take the results seriously. It is not to say corruption doesn’t exist in the private sector. It does in plenty, not to mention financial skullduggery by promoters, and C-level executives. I accept that whistleblowers can play a big part in unearthing such corruption inside companies but employee surveys? I am doubtful. There are probably too many skeptical, distrusting and, perhaps, dissatisfied employees whose opinions are captured, skewing the surveys.
Anecdotal evidence would suggest most guys who head materials and IT procurement are perceived as corrupt because they take decisions on big-ticket purchases for the companies. It is rare that he or she is seen as honest. For the major part, this is probably an unfair perception. Also, it is hard to see rampant corruption in appraisals and promotions. Chances are such perception comes from people who have been passed over for promotions or given poor appraisals.
On balance, I wouldn’t rush into judgement, for fear of tarring everything and everybody as corrupt.