Socio-psychological impact of bribery and corruption on young adults

by Indeewara Thilakarathne

A paper titled 'Social and social-Psychological impact of bribery and corruption on Young Adults in Sri Lanka' was recently presented at the Organization of Professionals Association (OPA). The presentation was made by Professor S.T. Hettige of Colombo University.

The research which was conducted using qualitative method of Focus Group Discussion (FGD) among 308 youth representing a wider segment from the middle and lower strata of society, was primarily aimed at creating a qualitative data base in order to raise public awareness, initiate action against corruption.

The respondents drawn from diverse sectors including transport workers, businessmen, A/L students, farmers, plantation workers, pavement hawkers, the self employed, Tsunami affected communities, University students, Migrant workers, overwhelmingly admitted that the level of corruption in Sri Lanka is either 'high' or 'very high' and identified the police as the most corrupted social institution.

The study stated that since the introduction of open market economy, the transition from the non-competitive market to the highly competitive market had brought about significant changes resulting in creating a conducive socio-economic environment for bribery and corruption.

The primary changes have been identified as spread of consumerism and new life styles, spread of private consumption at the expense of public consumption, increased social inequality and competition for resources and loosening up of the social class structure.

It further suggests that these changes had also led to specific developments in the socio-economic spheres which indirectly induced bribery and corruption.

Accordingly, industrialization and economic development concentrating in and around Colombo, Population pressure on urban resources, such as land, housing, schools, water, transport, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, expansion of private consumption, marginalization of English education, increasing competition for education, increasing demand for private health care as public health system fails, increasing private vehicles and competition in transport system, consumerist life-style and demand for decent housing schemes, explosion in consumer aspirations and affluent life-styles among a small group of wealthy and powerful families, (Hettige 2007, 3-9), have substantially increased the susceptibility of public to bribery and corruption.

Reviewing the widespread corruption in the society, particularly in Electoral Process, Police and Judiciary which has contributed to the formation of public perception on bribery and corruption, the study has found out that among the respondents, the most vulnerable and exposed to corruption were Tsunami victims who had to rely on officials to get their claim applications certified compelling them to bribe corruptible officials and inter-mediates.

Overwhelming majority identified police (48.7%) as highly corrupt. The respondents also mentioned Municipal Councils/ Provincial Councils (5.2%), Schools (4.9%), the transport sector (4.5%) followed by hospitals and GN as corruption prevalence areas.

As the pressure exerted on the respondents to bribe, 33% of the respondents admitted that they were pressurized to bribe the officials. The proportion was higher among transport workers (58%), followed by businessmen (48%) and pavement hawkers (47%).

It has been observed that the transaction is either initiated by the bribe-giver or a third party, a broker.

Majority of the respondents (53%) were of the opinion that bribery and corruption can be stamped out while some respondents (31%) stated that it be reduced. Generally, it has been accepted that although bribery and corruption can not be completely eliminated under the present economic set-up, it can be controlled if punitive measures are taken.

The respondents have identified Government (36%), genera public (12%) , politicians (12.6%) and higher officials (10.9%) as persons and institutions responsible for preventing bribery and corruption.

The principle items involved in bribery have been identified as Arrack, money, santhosam (money given as gratification), parties, food and drinks, sexual favours from women. Corruption is wide spread in public sector compared to private sector.

However, some respondents admitted corruption is a common phenomenon present in both public and private sectors.

University students pointed out that some lecturers demand sexual favours promising them higher marks at the examinations and is amounted to bribery and corruption.

It has been identified the objectives of the bribe-givers range from obtaining undue favours, expedite work and to do a task conveniently and the bribe-takers create an atmosphere in relevant public institution conducive to bribery and corruption.

It has been pointed at the presentation that the scope of the study could have been widen to represent the entire spectrum.

However, this has not been facilitated given the constraints in finance and in other resources. Some of the panellist were of the opinion that the study established the feared scenario of institutionalized corruption though public firmly believe that it can be stamped out.

[email protected]

***

Suggestions

Overwhelming majority suggested:

A. Setting up of an independent body to deal with bribery and corruption or empower commission on Bribery and Corruption without political influence.

B. Recently, a Parliamentary committee (COPE) disclosed 25 public institutions where massive corruption had occurred. No action has yet been taken. This type of lethargic government attitude can lead to serious consequences.

Respondents were asked to give suggestions to control or eliminate bribery and corruption from Sri Lanka. Some respondents were pessimistic and expressed the view that there is nothing that can be done to arrest the trend as 'the whole country is submerged in bribery and corruption'.

They said that any action to control or eliminate bribery and corruption in this society is like swimming up stream.

Some, especially the transport workers, held the opinion that any increase in the penalty/fines for traffic offences would no doubt increase the opportunities for bribery and corruption on the part of law enforcement officers. They felt that when the penalties are reasonable and affordable, offenders tend to pay the relevant fines to the authorities.

Others were optimistic and said that if proper remedial actions are implemented without partiality, bribery and corruption could be controlled. Most of the respondents wanted an independent body to be set up to deal with complaints of bribery and corruption, or else they wanted to make the existing Bribery Commission more effective.

They also want these institutions to be independent, impartial and non-politicized. Others suggested that anti bribery and corruption messages should be included in school curriculum. They also suggested that people must be motivated to be more religious minded and, or at least to be concerned about their self-respect.

Respondents also wanted to maintain law and order impartially and strictly. New laws may be introduced. There must be collective action and must create public awareness. In this process the mass media have a greater role to play, according to some respondents. Role of the mass media in this regard is insignificant today.