Corruption, Bribery & Graft in the Busyness of ELT...

'It skews the level playing field; it guarantees extra returns where none should have been had; it encourages the misallocation of economic resources, and it subverts the proper functioning of institutions. It is, in other words, without a single redeeming feature, a scourge'. However, he also notes that this is not how it is perceived by its perpetrators: both the 'givers' and the 'recipients' (it takes two to tango...and corruption can never work when one party says 'NO').

'They believe that corruption helps facilitate the flow and exchange of goods and services in hopelessly clogged and dysfunctional systems and markets (corruption and the informal economy "get things done" and "keep people employed"); that it serves as an organising principle where chaos reigns and institutions are in their early formative stages; that it supplements income and thus helps the state employ qualified and skilled personnel; and that it preserves peace and harmony by financing networks of cronyism, nepotism, and patronage'.

Rubbish!8 Corruption is all about theft and abuse of power..carried out by unethical and immoral individuals. And, THEY know what they are doing is wrong! This is why I get so upset when I hear about it happening in education - a business sector (yes, it is a business...no escaping that fact these days) that acts as the backdrop and early environment for every single young person in a country. Education needs role models beyond reproach...some might say 'angel-like' mentors that can guide young minds and ensure they learn about and stay on the straight and narrow! 8 The good news?

I just wonder how many will...