LG #- LO #3- Develop the Practice of Patriotic

Personality

Instruction Sheet
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics –
 Identifying the basics of patriotism
 Developing qualities of patriotic citizen
 Describing executing responsibility
 Discussing the concept of corruption
 Developing the sense of volunteerism
 Practicing industriousness in the work place
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcome stated in the cover page. Specifically,
upon completion of this Learning Guide, you will be able to –
 Identify the basics of patriotism
 Describe qualities of patriotic citizen
 Describe executing responsibility
 Discuss the concept of corruption
 Develop the sense of volunteerism
 Develop industriousness in the work place

Learning Instructions:
1. Read the specific objectives of this Learning Guide
2. Follow the instructions described below
3. Read the information written in the Information Sheets
4. Accomplish the “Self-check
 Information Sheet -1 Identifying the Concepts and Basics of Patriotism

1.1 Definition of patriotism

Patriotism in a Modern notion is defined with the respect of human rights and constitutional
democracy. It is an appreciation of multiculturalism Whereas Patriotism in a rational meaning
defined as sense of attachment to a homeland or the country and alliance with other citizens
who share the same sentiment to create a feeling of oneness among the people.

1.2 Patriotism versus Nationalism

1.2.1 The Similarity between Patriotism and Nationalism

Patriotism mean devotion to a particular place and a particular way of life, which one believes to
be the best in the world but has no wish to force upon other people. Patriotism is of its nature
defensive, both militarily and culturally. Nationalism, on the other hand, is inseparable from the
desire for power

1.2.2 The Difference between Patriotism and Nationalism

Nationalism and patriotism both show the relationship of an individual towards his or her nation.
The two are often confused and frequently believed to mean the same thing. However, there is a
vast difference between nationalism and patriotism.

 Nationalism means to give more importance to unity by way of a cultural background,

including language and heritage. Patriotism pertains to the love for a nation, with more
emphasis on values and beliefs.
 When talking about nationalism and patriotism, one cannot avoid the famous quotation
by George Orwell, who said that nationalism is ‘the worst enemy of peace’. According to
him, nationalism is a feeling that one’s country is superior to another in all respects,
while patriotism is merely a feeling of admiration for a way of life. These concepts show
that patriotism is passive by nature and nationalism can be a little aggressive.
 Patriotism is based on affection and nationalism is rooted in rivalry and resentment. One
can say that nationalism is militant by nature and patriotism is based on peace.
  Most nationalists assume that their country is better than any other, whereas patriots
believe that their country is one of the best and can be improved in many ways. Patriots
tend to believe in friendly relations with other countries while some nationalists don’t.
 In patriotism, people all over the world are considered equal but nationalism implies that
only the people belonging to one’s own country should be considered one’s equal.
 A patriotic person tends to tolerate criticism and tries to learn something new from it, but
a nationalist cannot tolerate any criticism and considers it an insult.
 Nationalism makes one to think only of one’s country’s virtues and not its deficiencies.
Nationalism can also make one contemptuous of the virtues of other nations. Patriotism,
on the other hand, pertains to value responsibilities rather than just valuing loyalty
towards one’s own country.
 Nationalism makes one try to find justification for mistakes made in the past, while
patriotism enables people to understand both the shortcomings and improvements made.

In Summary,

Patriot: Expresses the emotion of love towards his country in a passive way

Nationalist: Strives for independence and the interests and domination of a nation and
expresses his love or concern for the country in an active political way.

1.3 The moral standing of patriotism

Many think of patriotism as a natural and appropriate expression of attachment to the country
in which we were born and raised and of gratitude for the benefits of life on its soil, among its
people, and under its laws. They also consider patriotism an important component of our
identity. Some go further, and argue that patriotism is morally mandatory, or even that it is the
core of morality. There is, however, a major tradition in moral philosophy which understands
morality as essentially universal and impartial, and seems to rule out local, partial attachment
and loyalty. Adherents of this tradition tend to think of patriotism as a type of group egoism, a
morally arbitrary partiality to “one’s own” at odds with demands of universal justice and
common human solidarity. A related objection is that patriotism is exclusive in invidious and
dangerous ways. Love of one’s own country characteristically goes together with dislike of
and hostility towards other countries. It tends to encourage militarism, and makes for
international tension and conflict. Tolstoy’s and Kateb’s moral objections to patriotism,
mentioned above, are in line with this position.

What, then, is the moral status of patriotism? The question does not admit of a single answer.
We can distinguish patriotism as Extreme, Robust, moderate, Deflated and Ethical which
needs to be judged on its merits.

1.4 Types of Patriotism:

There are two types of Patriotism. Traditional and Constitutional (Democratic) patriotism

1.4.1 Traditional Patriotism

Traditional patriotism is a patriot one who dies for its country, respects and the national
anthems, flags, and loves the physical features of the country. Some major characteristics of
traditional patriotism are:

 Love of one’s country and particularistic sense of belonging to nation or country;

 The patriotic attachment is to territory or to the country in abstract;
 It is required to be loyal only to the government irrespective of its political
character;
 The state is considered as supreme and has the sovereign power;
 It can degenerate into nationalistic chauvinism and promotes intolerance and
endangers the peace of the national state etc.

1.4.2 Constitutional (Democratic) patriotism

 Its guiding Principles are the constitutional democracy;

 It celebrates one’s belongingness to constitutional state;
 Loyal to the values and principles of democracy enshrined in democratic
constitution;
 It tends to universalism and promote internationalism; etc.

Generally, patriot in modern sense is the one who live the community or the people he/she
belongs stand for the right of the others. It is also readiness to make sacrifices for what is
considered its best interest.

1.5 Basics of Patriotism

There are certain conditions that make people to love their homeland and these conditions are
known as factors or basis for building patriotism. These factors include tolerance of diversity,
legality, and prevalence of rule of law in the country.

1.5.1 Tolerance of Diversity

Tolerance of diversity accepts any kinds of difference as natural. Differences in race,

language, colour, religion, etc by themselves are cultural values of a country. This condition
indicates that, patriotism is not only love of the soil of one’s birth land, its scenario-the
physical topography but more importantly love of people of the country. These and other
positive contributions and benefits of diversity and pluralism always exist when there is trust
and tolerance of citizens and good governance of the state.

1.5.2 Prevalence of equality

Equal access implies equitable distribution of natural resources political power and social
services to the people of the country. Citizens would not have sense of love for their country
unless they are entertained equally to use all kinds of opportunities in their country.

1.5.3 Prevalence of Rule of Law

Rule of law is another important factor for the development of patriotic feeling. Therefore, to
enable citizens to have strong patriotic feeling and positive attitude towards their country,
there should be prevalence of rule of law.
 Self-Check 1 Written Test

Directions: 1 Choose the best answer

1. Which of the following is correct about patriotism (2pts)
A. Extreme Patriotism will create tension
B. Respecting diversity
C. Will create the sense of collaboration
D. All
2.………………………a type of basics of patriotism accepts any kinds of difference
as natural? (2pts)
A. Tolerance diversity B. Prevalence of equality C. Prevalence of rule of law
D. all of the above

Directions II: Answer all the questions listed below

1. Define the term Patriotism in your own words. (2points)
2. Identify Patriotism from nationalism (2pts)
3. Compare and contrast traditional patriotism and modern/constitutional patriotism.
(2points)
4. Why is the principle of tolerance very important to the society of Ethiopia? (2 points)

Note: Satisfactory rating – 6 and above points Unsatisfactory -

Information Sheet -2 Describing qualities of patriotic citizen

2.1 Describing qualities of patriotic citizen

Some of the qualities of a patriotic citizen are as follows:

2.1 .1 Respecting constitution and its provisions

In the constitutional system it is a duty of every citizen to show unreserved support for the
implementation of constitutional provision. They can also do this by fulfilling constitutional
obligations in good faith.

1.1.2 Respecting the rights of others

A patriot has the duty to respect the constitutional right and entitlement of individual and
group. As a patriot you are expected to respect the rights of your fellow citizens.

1.1.3. Loyalty

Loyalty is the quality of being faithful allegiance to the particular state or people. Loyalty of
Patriots is devoted to the nation and its historical and cultural achievement. However this does
not mean that patriots should be loyal to dictatorial and undemocratic governments that
undermine human rights and freedom of citizens. Struggling against such governments is by
itself the attribute of patriotism.

2.1.4. Developing tolerance and developing the culture of peace

Tolerance and the culture of peace are important attribute of true patriotism in multicultural
society. In countries such as Ethiopia where different groups with varied languages, religions
and other attributes coexist, it is important that there is the space for all of them to have some
common ground that offer them the opportunity and privilege to claim pride in their own
legacy and history. As a patriotic person, you need to be keen in solving your problems and
differences in a peaceful manner.

2.1.5. Respect and protect national heritages

Ethiopia has many important national heritages and historical sites. The Rock Hewn Church
of Lalibela, The Palace of Jima Aba Jifar, the Palace of Atse-Fasil in Gondar and the various
monument located in Ethiopia are just few of national heritages among many. These national
heritages not only attract thousands of tourists, but they are also source of generating income.
Therefore, a true patriot is expected to protect these national heritages.

1.1.1 Keep National Secrets

State secrets are those you should keep due to social mindedness and love for your country. A
patriot always maintains national secrets, especially, at the time of war. A patriot is not a
dictator and does not make treason against his/her country.

1.1.2 Respecting National Symbol

A patriot always respects his/her country’s national values. National symbols include such
things as national flag, national anthem, and national day or days of independency. The first
two are important features for the identity of nations across the world. They indicate the
independence of a country and its citizens on a legal footing to other nations that a patriot
should reject. Beside this Ethiopia has also national day such as March 2 victory of Adwa,
May 5 is the day that marked the end of the five years struggle between Ethiopian patriots and
the Italian invaders.

1.1.3 Exposing unjust act

As a patriot, you are expected to expose wrong doing, unethical activities and
mismanagements of any organization, individual and groups. True patriots publicize
information about human right violations by anybody. They also give out information about
any illegal act that may be going in any organization.
 Self-Check 2 Written Test

Directions I: Choose the best answer

1. Which of the following is the category of quality of patriotism (2Pts)
A. Being faith full to the state
B. Giving values for Historical heritages and Sites
C. Exposing wrong doing
D. All
2. Of the following one is the best example of Historical heritages and sites (2pt)
A. Palace of Abba jifar
B. Renaissance Dam
C. Red fox
D. None

Directions II: Answer all the questions listed below

1. If the national constitution does not favor the interest of the public, is the patriot duty
bound to respect the provisions of this constitution? Explain (3points)
2. Enumerate all national heritages located around your home place. (3 points)
3. Mention any patriotic person in Ethiopia?
4. Who is your best patriot person?

Note: Satisfactory rating – 5 and above points Unsatisfactory -

 Information Sheet #3 Executing Responsibility

3.1 The Concept of Responsibility

Responsibility is that state of being answerable for an obligation and having the skill, ability,
and capacity to bear it. It also means the ability to do or not to do something. In other words,
one becomes responsible for one’s action. It means accountability. Responsibility could be
keeping promise, observing laws and other social values taking inlet yourself and your fellow.
Therefore, executing responsibility include: -

3.1.1 The value of keeping promise

Keeping promise is a declaration which binds the person who makes it, either in honor,
conscience, or law to do or for bear certain specific act. A good citizen always keeps his/her
promise, because he/she has at least a moral obligation to do so as a member of the society.
Promising rule goes by appeal to the value that the practice of promising has for us as
members of a society. The chief value of the practice of promising is social coordination and
cooperation. Promises allow people to trust one another, which in turn allows for all sorts of
cooperative benefits.

3.1.2 Avoid wastage of public property

Public property is land or buildings that are for the use of everyone. This may include all
those properties in your school, public toilets in your surroundings and others. Public
properties also include those owned by government like power generating plants, electric
power transmission towers across the country, roads, telecommunication networks and
hospitals. As a citizen, you have the responsibility to protect such properties for future use.

Wastage of public property can take many forms, for example:

 Misappropriation or misuse of public property

 The purchase of unnecessary or inadequate goods
 Reckless use of the properties of the state
 Too many staff being employed in particular area, incurring cost which might
otherwise have been avoided
  Staff being remunerated for skills that they do not have, but are required to have
under the terms or conditions of their employment
 Programs not achieving their objectives and therefore the cost being clearly
ineffective and inefficient

Wastage of public property can result from such things as:

 The absence of appropriate safeguards to prevent the theft and misuses,

 Purchasing procedures and practices which fail to ensure that goods and services
are necessary and adequate for their intended purpose.

3.1.3 Concerned with Global issues

The natural environment is the environment composed of land, water, air, human beings and
other living creatures as well as human created surroundings. Human survival depends on
natural environment. Responsible citizen gives strong attention to protect his/her environment
from the Resource depletion following problem:

 Over population
 Pollution
a. Water pollution.
b. Waste and waste disposal.
c. Ocean acidification.
d. Acid rain.
 Environmental degradation
 ozone layer depletion
 Terrorism
 Human trafficking
 Drug trafficking etc.

Ethiopia has an environment owed with plenty of natural resources. It is a home to a wealth of
biological diversity. Its wild life includes animals such as Walia Ibex, Mountain Nyala and
Chelada Baboon etc.

3.1.4 Preservation of Historical Heritage

Historical heritages are things that reflect the living condition of the ancient people, their
culture, their work and their artifacts etc. Historical heritages are the best proof of a nation’s
history and traditional culture. They are considered as precious material, spiritual treasures
which promote strong sense of national pride and patriotic enthusiasm.

Historical and cultural heritages are widely used for two main sorts of modern function:

I. They provide socio cultural places of identities and are also resources for an important
leisure service industry.

II. They are the main source of tourism industry. A country with plenty of historical and
cultural heritage has the potential to attract many visiting people from all over the
world. For instance,

 Harar Jegol building,

 The city of Harar
 The axumites obelisks
 Axum Tsion Church
 Ge’ez language, (Ethiopia’s first written language,)
 Rock hewn churches of Lalibela
 Fasildes castle in Gondar
 Aba Jiffar palace in Jimma
 Kumsa Moroda palace in Nekemte
 Sofomer cave of Bale
 The Nejashi mosque in Tigray etc.

3.2 Types of Responsibility

Citizens’ responsibility can be seen as individual or group.

3.2.1 Individual responsibilities

Individual responsibility refers to the moral and legal obligation of citizens to take care for
and take responsibility for themselves and their action. Individual responsibility includes
fulfilling personal responsibilities to oneself, family, friends and others. Personal
responsibility leads to social acceptance.

 Citizens personal responsibility Includes

  Self-governance
 Obliging the law
 Supporting families
 Behaving in civil manner
 Managing their life properly
 Respecting the right and interest of others
 Being responsible for the consequences of one’s action
 Adhering the social and moral principle etc.

3.2.2 Group Responsibility

Group responsibility is the responsibility shared by all members of a group, community, or a

nation to promote the public interest of the common good. In any society members have
various social obligations in their society. These responsibilities are often called civic
responsibilities. Some of citizen’s social obligations include:

 Performing public service honestly

 Paying tax
 Protecting public property and concern for the environment
 Taking part in political activities
 Managing and resolving conflict
 Negotiation and compromise
 Being informed and attentive to public issues
 Obeying the law

Fulfilling obligations is the basis for social life

It is clear that those who discharge their individual responsibilities can successfully discharge
their group responsibilities. Both personal and group responsibilities can be categorized in to
Moral and legal.

I. Legal responsibility: includes promises, appointments, assignments, occupations,

customs, traditions, moral principles, citizenship, and laws are all sources of responsibility.

II. Moral responsibility: includes discharge: respecting seniors (elders), punctuality,

honesty, keeping promise are all examples of moral responsibility.
Responsibility can also be classified as Personal Responsibility, Social Responsibility and
Environmental Responsibility.

 Personal Responsibility:

 make and keep agreements;

 set goals and create ways to achieve them;
 accept consequences of personal choices; and
 Acknowledge personal accomplishments.

 Social Responsibility:

 communicate with others in a way that empowers them, not demeans them;
 honor others' rights, dignity, and worth,
 work together toward common goals,
 negotiate problems and conflicts successfully; and
 Create opportunities for others.

 Environmental Responsibility:

 become conscious of the various contexts in which we function;

 respect property and take care of equipment, the classroom, the school, and the
community;
 Recognize the importance of the individual taking care of the environment as well
as influencing others to take care of the environment.

3.3 Characteristics of Responsible person

Responsible person is the one who identifies and accepts the consequences-good or bad- of
his decisions. Responsible behavior is made up of essential elements-honesty, compassion,
respect values and norms of a society, fairness, accountability and Courage. In addition,
responsible persons are those who do the right thing even no one is watching and See things
through.

 Being responsible means:

 Think before we act.

 Think about how our actions affect others.
  Think before we speak.
 Are accountable
 Fix our mistakes.
 Keep trying. ...
 Are reliable and always do our job.
 Clean up our own messes

 Responsible person is:

 reliable, trustworthy, and dependable

 Gain knowledge and experience
 Benefit others and the society at large
 Develops independence and self esteem

Independent person: is a state of being free from control, subjugation or dictation by any
extreme body. It is a situation of being dependent of one’s resources.

3.4 Respecting Values and Norms of Society

Value: have to do with the principles beliefs or accepted standards of a person or social
groups

Moral: it has to do with human behavior and the distinctions between good, bad, right and
wrong behavior. For instance, helping a person in need of assistance, helping in protecting
public safety, peace and order are among the moral and ethical values of a society. In general,
good citizen responsibilities may include:

 Respecting the right of others

 Paying attention to how well our elected leaders do their jobs
 Paying fair tax
 Serving in the armed forces
 Voting
 Self-Check # 3 Written Test

Directions I: Choose the best answer

1. Genuinely responsibility can be classified as (2)
A. Personal B. Social B. Environmental D. All
2. Responsible Person is known by (2)
A. Will think before act C. Keeping trying
B. Accountable D. Independent
3. Which of the following is unique about Global Concern of the Responsible person
A. Over population C. Pollution
B. Resource depletion D. none

Directions II: Answer all the questions listed below

1.Identify the moral and Legal Responsibility ( 2 points)
2.Explain keeping Promise(2pts)
Information Sheet #4 Discussing the Concept of Corruption

4.1. Concept of Corruption

Corruption is a form of dishonesty or a criminal offense which is undertaken by a person or an

organization which is entrusted with a position of authority, in order to acquire illicit benefits
or abuse power for one's personal gain. Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers
economic development and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division and the
environmental crisis. Exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to account can only happen
if we understand the way corruption works and the systems that enable it.

4.2. Corruption in Ethiopian Context

Reading causes of corruption in Ethiopia, there is no extensive research done to date.

However, offering and receiving bribes were practiced during the emperor’s period (1930-
1974). Later on, during the Dreg Regime, the system of corruption became more
sophisticated. Some manifestations of corruption were the nationalization of privately owned
business by the government; parent offering bribes to Keble administrators to free their sons
from national military service; Individuals and officials with access to government structures
being allowed to get goods at lower prices and selling them at higher price in the market to
generate income. Besides these, it was impossible to have access to public services and
utilities without bribes. In general, nepotism, patronage, abuse of office, kick back demands
from government procurement contractors was characteristics of that regime (1974-1991).
This was because there were no accountability and transparency systems.

Even after the Dreg Regime, corruption was still a problem to development. To address such a
problem, the government of Ethiopia a civil service reform program as part of the general
strategy to curb corruption by the year 1994.The reform program was under taken on the basis
of a task force established by the prime minister’s office. When the civil service reform
program approached an implementation phase, Federal Ethics and Anti- corruption
Commission (FEAC) was established in October 2001.

Some measures taken in the promotion of ethical standards and fight against corruption in
Ethiopia are as follows:

 The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission was established;

  A management manual was developed to help managers detect work and service areas
vulnerable to corruption and measures to be taken to address the problem;
 As it is not possible to fight corruption individually, a working together manual for the
investigators, prosecutors, and judiciary was developed;
 Code of ethics for politicians and civil servants was developed;
 Anti-corruption procedure and evidence law was developed and being implemented;
 To assess the extent and prevalence of corruption in the country and institutions most
affected by it, a corruption survey was undertaken

In light of the problems, important steps are made in this area. For example, federal ethics and
anti-corruption commission is established and related legislation such as evidence and
procedure law and mandate of the commission are enacted.

4.3 Causes of Corruption

The following are some main causes of corruption:

1. Low Pay scales/ Wages

Most of the employees in the government sector are paid low wages and salaries. Hence some
employees revert to corruption for more financial benefits.

2. Low Job opportunities.

This is another cause of corruption. Due to the lack of job opportunities, many people like to
go for corruption mode to get a job offer. They will be ready to pay lump-sum amounts for the
job offer to the higher officials or politicians.

3. Lack of Strict and fast punishments:

Even if someone is found guilty or even caught red-handed by the anti-corruption officials or
media, the convicts get less punishment. First, they will be suspended for a few months or
weeks and then re-posted to another location with the same Job grade and pay. So this means
the official who did the corrupt practice is given a free license to continue his practice.

If the government is so strict that any such corrupt incidents will lead to permanent removal
from the job and also punishment like several years imprisonment, then the corruption will
come down to a large extent.
4. Lack of fear of bad reputation

If a person is corrupt or has done some unacceptable misconduct, they have to be avoided and
not be respected. But currently, those with corruption and other offense-related history are
given prominent positions like members of parliament or even higher posts. Instead of being
disrespected, they are respected.

5. Lack of Public Unity

The public openly criticizes corruption, but interestingly there is no unity among the public to
stop corruption. If a person wants to get his done his work, he gets it done by corruption
means if possible and then later criticizes the corrupt official. If the public stands united
against corruption so that no one is ready to offer bribes to get their work done, then the
corrupt officials will have no other option but to work in a corruption-free manner.

During the election, politicians try to lure the people by offering money and other things. If
these politicians win and get power, they try to regain 10 to 100 times the amount spent in the
process.

6. Lack of transparency in affairs and deals

Many seat selection processes like in education, contracts for the job, employee income
reports (wealth possession), etc., lack transparency.

7. Lack of Independent detective agency

Lack of the independent detective agency is to investigate with full power and freedom to
expose the corrupt individuals. The existing agencies are under the control of either the
government or the armies and are not free to work. Hence anyone who commits offense will
not be afraid of the investigation as they can escape from it by taking the help of those
controlling them.

8. Lack of state funding for elections

State funding for polls is the best way to beat corruption. Political parties receive party
donations and will not disclose them to the fullest. In doing so, they encourage corruption.
They collect massive amounts from industrialists with a promise to help when in power. The
presence of state funding can abolish party donations and minimize corruption.

9. The option of many political parties

In a democracy, anyone can establish a political party. So there are chances for the corruption
of many political parties in the country.

If a political party wins, then the party members will desire to expand the party all over the
country. To do so, they need enough financial reserves. Once they come into power, they opt
for corrupt means to make the wealth needed to expand the party.

10. Lack of enough powers to the judicial system and other independent organizations.

Like the election commission cannot ban a politician from contesting in case they make a
mistake or do not comply with the rules during the poll campaign (like distributing money to
people etc.). Similarly, the judicial system has low options to punish someone who is found to
be

11. Lack of accountability

In government, there is a big trend in corruption. This is because of a lack of accountability.

The employees in government offices do not perform to their par excellence. If they have 100
files to be cleared in a week, they may not even clear 50 of them in that week. They tend to
postpone the clearance of the files. So those who are in the urgency of the clearance have to
get them done by rewarding the officials involved in the clearance office. This lack of
accountability in government offices is the chief cause of corruption.

If there is a mandate that all the files or at least 95% of files received by government offices
for clearance are cleared in the said period, then corruption can be minimized to a large extent.

12. Encouragement of Unhealthy Competition

Competition in business is a good sign for the quality of service to be delivered. But in
developing nations, there is an encouragement of unhealthy competition. Therefore, these
causes of corruption have to be eliminated for the better growth of the nation.

4.4 Types of Corruption

4.4.1 Grand Corruption

It is a type of corruption in which huge amount of public property and government money
flow into the pocket of individuals within a short period of time. The principal participants of
grand corruption are higher government officials, political leader, higher level professionals
and higher-level merchants. This type of corruption mostly conducted when there are
governmental agreements, during international or higher level of purchase bids like purchase
of industrial machines, purchase of war ammunitions, fertilizers, transport vehicles, and
installations of huge industries.

Grand corruption is the abuse of high-level power that benefits the few at the expense of the
many, and causes serious and widespread harm to individuals and society. It often goes
unpunished. Grand corruption is a crime that violates human rights and deserves judgment
and punishment accordingly. There are three major branches of grand corruption include
Political corruption, Bureaucratic corruption and Organizational (Systemic) corruption.

a. Political corruption: An illegal act by an office holder constitutes political corruption

only if the act is directly related to their official duties, is done under color of law or involves
trading in influence. Forms of corruption vary, but include bribery, extortion, cronyism,
nepotism, patronage, graft, and embezzlement.

b. Bureaucratic corruption: A useful working definition of public sector corruption is

the abuse of Authority by public officials to make personal gains. One manifestation of this is
when civil servants, or bureaucrats, exploit their powers of discretion, delegated to them by
the government, to further their own interests.

c. Organizational (Systemic) corruption: is corruption which is primarily due to the

weaknesses of an organizational process. It can be contrasted with individual officials or
agents who act corruptly within the system. It is also termed as endemic corruption.

5 Petty corruption

It is a type of corruption under which small amount of public property (wealth) is transferred
illegally in to the pocket of individuals. Even though the transfer of abused wealth small in
amount it crates the greatest gap between the government and the people. It aggravates the
grievances of the people.
Mostly the participants of petty corruption are administrators at different levels of government
structures, government workers at grass root levels, and job seekers.

Petty corruption also defined as a type of everyday abuse of entrusted power by low- and mid-
level public officials in their interactions with ordinary citizens, who often are trying to access
basic goods or services in places like hospitals, schools, police departments and other
agencies.

6. Manifestation of Corruption

Corruption can be manifested in different ways including the following: There are many types
of corruption. For most people, bribery probably comes first to mind when they hear the word
corruption, but other common types of corruption include bribery, nepotism, fraud,
embezzlement, theft, etc.

6.1 Bribery

Bribery is the bestowing of a benefit (money or favors) to influence an action or decision

unduly. It can be initiated by a person who seeks or solicits bribes or by a person who offers
and then pays bribes. The «benefit» in bribery can be virtually any inducement: money and
valuables, company shares, inside information, sexual or other favors, entertainment,
employment or, indeed, the mere promise of incentives.

6.2 Nepotism

Nepotism is favoritism shown by public official to relatives or close friends generally involve
abuses of discretion. Such abuses, however, are governed not by the self-interest of an official
but the interests of someone linked to him or her through membership of a family, political
party, tribe, religious, or other group.

If an individual bribes an official to hire him or her, the official acts in self-interest. If a
corrupt official hires a relative, he or she acts in exchange for the less tangible benefit of
advancing the interests of family or the specific relative involved (nepotism). The favoring of,
or discriminating against, individuals can be based on a wide range of group characteristics:
race, religion, geographical factors, political or other affiliation, as well as personal or
organizational relationships, such as friendship or membership of clubs or associations.

7. Embezzlement, Theft and Fraud

In the context of corruption, embezzlement, theft and fraud all involve the taking or
conversion of money, property, or valuable items by an individual who is not entitled to them
but, by virtue of his or her position or employment, has access to them.

In the case of embezzlement and theft, the property is taken by someone to whom it was
entrusted. Therefore, embezzlement and theft can be defined as «stealing money or other
government property. » Fraud, however, consists of the use of false or misleading information
to induce the owner of the property to relinquish it voluntarily. Fraud, therefore, can be
defined as «cheating the government through deceit. »

8. Abuse of Discretion

In some cases, corruption can involve the abuse of discretion, vested in an individual, for
personal gain. For example, an official responsible for Government contracting may exercise
the discretion to purchase goods or services from a company in which he or she holds a
personal interest or propose real estate developments that will increase the value of property.
Such abuse is often associated with bureaucracies where there is broad individual discretion
and few oversight or accountability structures, or where decision-making rules are so complex
that they neutralize the effectiveness of any accountability structures that do ex

9. Consequences of corruption

Impact of corruption is very hard on public life. This is more of awkward and defaming
condition than being problematic. But it appears that the corruption is ever rising and
unstoppable. Further, the people involved in corruption seem to be hiding by blaming others.
Even they are proud of themselves as they made more money in short time. To worsen the
condition further, those involved in corruption are able to get better promotions and
opportunities. People also have developed an opinion that it is the only way to get their work
done. If not, the work will be pending for long or even might not be done.

10. Effects of corruption on people

 Lack of quality in services

In a system with corruption, there is no quality of service. To demand quality one might need
to pay for it. This is seen in many areas like municipality, electricity, distribution of relief
funds etc. If a person has to purchase a like medicine, due to corruption in education then the
candidate after completion of his course will not like to provide quality health service if there
is not enough remuneration for his service. Further candidates who do not have the ability can
also get into the same seat by purchasing it. So though he becomes a medical practitioner, he
may not be competent enough.

 Lack of proper justice

Corruption in the judiciary system, leads to improper justice. And the victims of offense might
suffer. A crime may be proved as a benefit of the doubt due to lack of evidence or even the
evidence erased. Due to corruption in the police system, the investigation process goes on for
decades. This lets the culprits roam free and even perform more crimes. There are even
chances that criminals due to old age due to the delayed investigation. So it leads to a sense of
“Justice delayed is justice denied.”

 Chances of Unemployment

For example, the private education and training institutes are given permits to start providing
education. This permit is given based on the infrastructure and sufficient recruitment of
eligible staff. Here there are good chances of corruption. The institute or college managements
try to bribe the quality inspectors to get permits. Though there is no sufficient eligible staff
these institutes get permission from the inspectors leading to unemployment. Instead of 10
faculties, a college is run by 5. So, even if well-qualified persons wish to get a job there, they
will not be offered. If there was no corruption by inspectors, then there would be a chance for
more employment.

 Poor Health and hygiene

In countries with more corruption one can notice more health problems among people. There
will be no fresh drinking water, proper roads, quality food grains supply, milk adulteration,
etc.

These low-quality services are all done to save money by the contractors and the officials who
are involved. Even the medicines provided in hospitals for the hospitals are of sub-standard in
quality. So, all these can contribute to the ill health of common man.

 Pollution
Pollution is mostly emitted in the form of water pollution, air pollution, and land pollution.
This pollution is from vehicles and factories. The governments have a monitor on this
pollution by regular check of vehicle emissions and also industrial exhausts.

Corruption in the government department lets the industry people opt to release of untreated
and harmful waste into rivers and air. If there is no corruption, there can be fair probes. Then
the industry personnel will treat the waste such that it is less toxic and harmless to
environment and people in it. So we can mean that corruption is also the main cause of
pollution.

 Accidents

Sanction of driving license without proper check of driving skills in the driver leads to
accidents and death. Due to corruption, there are countries where one can driving license
without any tests.

 Failure of genuine research

Research by individuals needs government funding. Some of the funding agencies have
corrupt officers. These people sanction the funds for research to those investigators who are
ready to bribe them. In doing so, they do not sanction the funds to genuine and hardworking
investigators. Thus the research and development will be lagging. This seems to be not a
problem for the common public. But if we notice the resistance of microbes to drugs, we can
know that there were no new compounds discovered in the past few decades for the efficient
treatment of resistant microbes.

B. Effects of Corruption on Society

 Disregard for officials

People start disregarding the official involved in corruption by talking negatively about him.
But when they have work with him or her, they again approach them by a thought that the
work is done if some monetary benefits are provided. Disregard towards officials will also
build distrust. Even lower grade officer will be disrespectful to higher grade officer. So even
he may not obey his orders. There were even incidents where a lower grade police officer
kidnapped higher grade officer for not offering him leave when asked.
  Lack of respect for rulers

Rulers of the nation like the president or prime ministers lose respect among the public.
Respect is main criteria in social life. People go for voting during the election not only with
the desire to improve their living standards by the election winner but also with respect for the
leader. If the politicians are involved in corruption, people knowing this will lose respect for
them and will not vote such politicians.

 Lack of faith and trust in the governments

People vote to a ruler based on their faith in him/ her but if found to be involved in corruption
people lose faith in them and may not vote next time.

C. Effects of corruption on Economy

 A decrease in foreign investment

There are many incidents wherein foreign investments which were willing to come to India
have gone back owing to heavy corruption in the government bodies.

 Delay in growth

Due to desire to mint money and other unlawful benefits, the official who needs to pass the
clearances for projects or industries delay the process. A work which can be done in few days
may be done in a months’ time that leads to delay in investments starting and growth. Even if
started, company growth hinders as every work linked to officials get delayed due to need to
provide bribes or other benefits.

 Lack of development

Many new industries willing to get started in particular region change their plans if the region
is unsuitable. If there are no proper roads, water, and electricity, the companies do not wish to
start up there. This hinders the economic progress of that region.

 Differences in trade ratio’s

Some countries have inefficient standard control institutes. Or in other words, these standard
control institutes are corrupt that they can approve low-quality products for sale in their
country. Hence you can see countries manufacturing cheap products dump them in big
markets. These countries can manufacture cheap quality products but cannot dump in
countries with strict standard control institutes. They can do so only in countries with chances
of corrupt officials in standard control. One best example is products which can’t be just
dumped into Europe and US markets can be done in other country markets with poor import
regulations and quality checks. So there arises trade deficit that these countries cannot
manufacture their own products at the cheaper price than those exporting to them. So if
corruption is minimized than these countries will have fewer trade deficits in-terms of exports
and imports with other countries and their economies can prosper.

1. Approaches towards combating Corruption

There are two types of approaches toward combating corruption.

 Preventive approach: it is based on laws of the land starting from the constitution,
other laws and rules. It focuses on the preventive role that those laws can play, E.g.,
Rules related to financial administration.

 Curative Approach: It includes receiving complaints investigating corruption cases

and bring the corrupt officials before justice particularly committed citizens that are
vigilant to protect public property are needed to fight against corruption. Such as
Whistle blowers, these are people who expose wrong doings unethical activities or
criminal acts happening in their surrounding without identifying themselves as a
source.
 2. Mechanisms for Combating Corruption

As discussed in the previous section, corruption is like a cancer and unless it is treated
immediately it is likely to affect the entire system. Therefore, taking measures to reduce its
causes and thereby its impacts are indispensable. In this regard, penalizing corrupt officials
and civil servants may help as a starting point. However, only an integrated and
comprehensive approach results in meaningful solution. The basic and integrated anti-
corruption approaches are as follows:

 Political Commitment

Combating corruption through governmental actions is ultimately a matter of political will.

Without genuine political will, government’s promises to reform the civil service or introduce
transparency and accountability are unlikely to take place. Unless the leadership is committed,
the fight against corruption is incomplete. Accordingly, there has to be a system whereby
political leaders play an exemplary role of being ethical and free from corruption. This helps
to send message to the public that corrupt act will not be tolerated and no one is above the
law. This may include exposing illegal acts of officials and trial of their cases at the
appropriate court.

 Administrative Reform

Administrative reform is an important ingredient to combat corruption. The following can be

cited an element of administrative reform. First, the most basic area is to make institutions
effective. This requires eliminating redundant structures; introducing transparent and
accountable rules and regulations; sharpening institutional focus on strategic goals for the
achievement of maximum results, giving due attention to area that are phone to corruption and
better equipping of civil servants for their tasks. In line with this, introducing appropriate
living wages to the officials and civil servants; creating suitable working environment
including making employment and promotion on the basis of merit are areas that need
attention in the administrative aspect to combat corruption. It is also necessary to ensure
government decisions and the monitoring of performance on the basis of sound data. On top
of that, a properly functioning public administration also requires transparent budgeting and
financial management systems with sound expenditure systems.
Administrative reform is expected to improve access to information by the public, about the
services provided and decision made. On top of that, transparency, of administration or
service delivery brought about by administrative reform should result in consultation with
stake holders’ trough focus groups, public hearings, client satisfaction surveys, etc., about
how the institution is delivering services and how it would deliver in the future.

 Transparency and Accountability

Transparency and accountability are the pillars of democracy and good governance, thus, are
important at all levels of governance. If the activities of the government are transparent and
officials and civil servants are held accountable for their decisions, the chance for corruption
will be minimized. Usually, corruption takes place when there is lack of transparency and
accountability.

Transparency is ensured by putting in place such measures as setting standards for timely
services, requiring reasons for decision and providing redress against decisions. Unless it is
specifically wanted to be secret by law, the public needs to have information from a specific
organization on the type of service, its standard and conditions of delivery. That is to avoid
ambiguity; limited access to confidential information must be defined by law.

On the other hand, accountability mechanisms can be exercised through administrative, legal
and political arrangements. Administrative mechanisms may include internal audit, evaluation
and reporting of performances in writing. Besides these, anti-corruption legislation, code of
ethics for every profession and audit mechanisms by certified audit institutions would serve as
a legal accountability while oversight mechanisms such as parliamentary committee and
Ombudsmen would help as political mechanisms of accountability.

Legal Framework

Legal framework is the other essential mechanism for combating corruption. Under this sub-
heading the following legal aspects will be discussed:

I. Anti- corruption law

Though enforcement is the least effective mechanism to combat corruption, there should be
anti- - corruption laws to penalize corrupt officials and civil servants. The anti- corruption law
should not only penalize the corrupt but also provide mechanisms for confiscating the
property or wealth obtained through corruption. It has to provide protection for those who
report cases of corrupt practices. The list of anti-corruption laws should include investigation
and prosecution of cases of corruption, disclosure, of financial interests and other properties,
and whistle blower protector mechanisms.

II. Code of Ethics

Code of ethics serves bas guide to acceptable and unacceptable behaviour at work place. It
includes sanctions, when there is breach of the provision in the code of ethics by those
working within the government machinery. The code of ethics should be prepared in line with
the need of every government institution or organization.

III. Conflict of Interest Laws

Conflict interest is any interest is any interest that either directly or indirectly influences the
officials and civil servant in the discharge of their duties. In order to avoid conflict of interest,
officials and civil servants working in areas that are susceptible to corruption should be
required by law to declare and register their assets and financial interests. According to the
Canadian experience, for the purpose of registration, assets are classified into three, i.e.
exempted assets, declarable assets and controlled assets.

Besides the above, conflict of interest law shall define clearly what type of work-related
behaviour are acceptable and unacceptable, and specify work areas that are prohibited as
outside employment in relation to each position. For example, the law shall include
identification of risk areas or activities such as whether running personal business venture or
participating in shareholding business activities.

IV. Whistle-blower Protection Law

The campaign against corruption cannot be successful unless it is backed by the involvement
of public. To do so, protection mechanism is needed to encourage the public to expose corrupt
officials and civil servants. Otherwise, the public may not be actively involved due to fear of
revenge from corrupt individuals of groups. Similarly, there should be a reporting centre
where members of the public may expose corruption without disclosing their identity.

 Establishment of key Institutions

Creating and strengthening institutions which are directly related to fight against corruption is
essential. Thus, the following institutions are focus of attention:

 General Auditor
 Ombudsman
 Ethics Coordinating Body;
 The Judiciary.

 Strengthening Civic Organizations and Undertaking Public Awareness Programs

Strengthening civic organizations and undertaking public awareness programs are also
crucial in the fight against corruption. In line with this, the following strategies are necessary
to reach the various sectors of civic organizations and the general public:-

 Mass media;
 Professional associations;
 Religious organizations;
 Others undertaking public awareness Program. For example, establishing and
strengthening consumer associations.