CORRUPTION IN
LEADERSHIP: WHAT AN AFRICAN LEADER SHOULD KNOW.
By Nnamdi Edu
1.1 INTRODUCTION
One of the major concerns of every leader of
any organization is on how to fight corruption to the
minimal level. Experiences demonstrate that leaders must guarantee that their
adherents keep up the most astounding standard of trustworthiness, openness,
and straightforwardness in the organization.
The fight against this menace has become a global issue led by the United States of America (Tan, 2016 July 16). Thus, every leader should embark on the fight against corruption
to keep their organizations afloat
A leadership
that is full of corruption will frustrate the
achievement of the organization’s goals. Studies have shown that Corruption caused by several factors affects the lives of many
organizations (Gavina 2002) Therefore, both the workers and the leaders
should work hand in hand to overcome the problem. Knowing what corruption is all about will enable the leader to take precaution.
1.2 WHAT IS
CORRUPTION?
There are different definitions of
corruption and its peculiar connotations (Suzan and Bonnie, 2016). According to the dictionary.net corruption is “lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain.” Suzan and Bonnie (2016) expounded on this as they mentioned “bribery, embezzlement, nepotism, influence peddling, conflict of interests, accounting fraud, electoral fraud and so forth,” as types of corruption that have affected
several organizations today.
1.3 CAUSES OF
CORRUPTION
In determining how to overcome corruption, we must look for the possible
actions that could lead to corrupt practices and the greater opportunity of enhancing prevention.
1.3.1 The desire to be rich.
The leaders who want to be rich will do everything to become rich. Since money attracts fame, many people will
even resort to killing just to satisfy their desire. According to Nation newspaper (2016, July 23) an herbalist in collaboration with his friends killed a man who was desperate of having money. Indeed, those who want to become rich at all cost, their actions can lead them to corruption.
1.3.2 Politics.
The leaders who want to remain in their position would do everything to
retain their positions (Edu, 2010). It means such a leader can demote or sack those who do not support his ambition. Indeed, a leader who
fights for power can even go to the length of paying people to support him. Politics can instigate corruption at any point in time.
1.3.3 Fear
The fear of jail can lead a leader to do what he may not want to do. Experiences have shown that many leaders have offered to pay a bribe
to avoid jail. William and Joseph (2016) reported High-rank police officers arrested in New York for receiving a bribe. In addition, the police arrested the business mogul. Therefore, a leader who seeks to jump bail can as well violate the
law.
1.4 EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION
According to Chinua Achebe as cited by Elizabeth Nduku and John Tenamwenye (2014); “Without a doubt, corruption has permeated the African society and anyone who can
say that corruption in Africa has not become alarming is either a fool, a crook or else does not live on this continent.”
1.4.1 Reduction in output
An organization whose leadership is
involved in corrupt practices suffers a deficiency
of output. A leader's interest with that of the organization ought to be in
harmony. Peradventure a leader involves himself in corrupt practices
certainly; such organization's
production will fall. The followers depend on upon their organization to
achieve their personal goals, likewise,
the organization depends on the worker for its goals. Along these lines, the leaders who misuse the organization assets for their own advantage destroy such organization.
1.4.2 Low employee morale
The degenerate practices of a leader drive
the workers' confidence to fall.
Indeed, such workers will not perform their obligation as well. The
individuals who earn or are motivated by their leaders stay committed to work.
1.4.3
High level of attrition
The number of laborers
can decrease because of corrupt practices of the leader. Workers who cannot
address their own and family needs will sort work in a different organization.
There is a typical understanding that the individuals who are satisfied with
their work stay steadfast while the individuals who are not glad decides to
resign.
1.5 MINIMIZING
CORRUPTION
Corruption in leadership will
reduce if leaders can instill the following
values in their leadership.
1.5.1 Proper education
The education of the leader matters
well for the organization. Leaders set the standard for their
organization and as such, they are required to acquire the right education to
perform their leadership task. When a leader gains
the right knowledge, attitude,
and skills, he works well.
Every organization should ensure to place in leadership
men and women who had attained the right
knowledge for their job. If a mediocre leads the organization, he may not perform
well and as a result, he will only think of making money. Therefore, leaders must acquire the resources that they need to
perform their job.
1.5.2 Perseverance
When a leader begins his job of
leadership and he faces challenges, he should demonstrate perseverance. This trait can help the leader to remain
loyal to his organizational goals. In times of difficulty, the leader
should continue to put in his best. Any leader who
perseveres will achieve his goals.
1.5.3 Honesty
Honesty is required of
every leader if he wants to achieve in leadership. A variety of organizations looks up to
the leaders who honestly can perform their duties. If a leader imbues honesty, he will act
without any thought of corruption.
1.5.4 Accountability
Those leaders who give an account of their
stewardship excel in their jobs. When a leader is always taking
stock of his activities to report to the management of the organization he will do everything within his capacity to avoid corruption. The organization that allows check and balance takes precaution to elude evil.
1.6 CONCLUSION
There is indeed joy when a leader does his job without corrupt practices. The leaders of the organization should
identify those factors that can lead to corruption in leadership. Unless the organization
does a background check on some leaders to ascertain their education and values, it will be difficult for them to hire or find a good
leader.
Let the leader strive to remain resolute to
his organization’s values and work hard
to ensure the achievement of their goals. When a leader puts in his best at work, he will definitely
receive a reward for his hard work. In addition, think more about how to serve.
Do not control individuals for your own advantage. Remember that, we came into
this world with nothing in our hands and we shall likewise leave with nothing.
Wait patiently. God will favor you at the right time.
1.7 References
Choo, T. S. (2016, July 27). Making Sens - Fighting corruption in a globalized
world. Retrieved from theSundaily : http://www.thesundaily.my/node/383494
Elizabeth Nduku and John Tenamwenye. (2014). Corruption in Africa. Geneva: Globethics.net. Retrieved August 2016, from www.globethics.net/documents/4289936/13403252/GE_Focus_14_web.pdf
Gaviria, A. (2002). Assessing the effects of corruption and crime on firm performance: evidence from Latin America. Emerging Markets Review, 3( 3), 245-268.
How we killed businessman after money ritual deal went awry’. (2016, July 23). Retrieved from The Nation: http://thenationonlineng.net/killed-businessman-money-ritual-deal-went-awry/
Susan RosaAckerman and Bonnie J. Palifka. (2016). Corruption and Government: Causes, Consequences, and Reforms. USA: Sheridan books.
William K. Rashbaum and Joseph Goldstein. (2016, June 20). 3 N.Y.P.D. Commanders Are Arrested in Vast Corruption Case. Retrieved from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/21/nyregion/nypd-arrests.html?_r=0
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