And for a Friday, with the pausing of FCPA, new twists & turns to the Art & Science of Corruption, some thoughts….. some musings…..
Corruption is all pervasive. There are many debates on whether practicing Corruption is an Art or a Science ……and many forms of Corruption ….. Collaborative Corruption where the Giver & the Taker both benefit hugely ….. no one apparently looses & It all can be justified at the broader policy level …. example an Industrialist negotiating with a bureaucrat for a federal policy to suit his business …… a MNC scouting business in a Kingdom …… Coercive Corruption on the other hand is when the Power equations are not at all equal …… the Taker has all the discretionary Power & the Giver is helpless …. & can avoid being tormented only by accepting to pay the bribe …… an illustration is a poor Taxi driver going for his Licence renewal to the RTO office ……a third category is the Corruption as speed money ….. like a Restaurant Menu card there are clearly established rates to be paid ….. the payment ensures all parties concerned follow all the SOP & timely results are guaranteed …….there could be many permutations & combinations of these classes of corruption & the Performers have developed different styles & skillsets ….. the debate which is an Art or which is Science continues …..
It’s in this background we evaluate the pause ordered in the US of FCPA (Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) which was first passed in 1977 prohibiting American companies in any corrupt practices in any country abroad …. Later amended in 1990 to include bribery within the United States ……the justification for the pause of FCPA is to ensure a level playing field for American Companies to compete for Business abroad ….. in the larger game plan of MAGA -Make America Great Again …..so is this to be also interpreted as a measure for “Ease of doing Business”……will there be Competency centres ….. Skill enhancement centres … newer consultancies ….. many opportunities may open up ….& the debate which form is an Art & which a Science ?????
Every Country is grappling with the evil effects of corruption …. Particularly impacting the poor & the vulnerable …. hence let’s all resolve to reduce Corruption the Ethical way ….. the equitable way …… the SEEGOS way.