“Punishing corruption without addressing the mindset behind it is a short-term fix.” How can a shift in attitudes among public servants and citizens contribute to long-term anti-corruption efforts?
Answer: "Laws prevent acts; values prevent intentions." While punishment treats the symptoms of corruption, lasting change requires an ethical transformation. Without internal moral reform, anti-corruption measures remain superficial.
Combating Corruption: Importance of Mindset Shift
- Legal punishment is reactive, not preventive. E.g., Vigilance can detect corruption; values can prevent it.
- Fear-based compliance is temporary. E.g., CCTV may deter bribery; ethics prevents it even without surveillance.
- Ethical mindsets enable integrity in grey areas. E.g., Officers avoid bias when guided by virtue ethics.
- Public participation and tolerance for corruption. E.g., Bribes for licenses normalize everyday corruption.
Bringing Behavioural Change among Public Servants
- Ethics Training ....
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UPSC
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