Media entities and corruption!

Entities operate under the control of managers. In most cases managers undertake stewardship role. Controls may be in place but cannot shape a gluttonous manager. Seeking to engage all sectors of society in the fight against corruption, would be prudent for our society. This effort would be successful if it receives support from the private sector. Reducing the devastating impact of corruption on our people requires the participation of all stakeholders most importantly the Media and its supportive role in combating fraud and corruption. CommunicationInformation is wealth, and info is power. I really believe that communication can help deter and prevent fraud and irregularities by raising awareness and promoting public debate. Communication policy can therefore, help shape public opinion, and the key to success against corruption is changing public opinion. Therefore, enhancing the flow of information will facilitate the decision makers when making objective decisions. Information is only good when timely, for sensible decisions. The media therefore, is a supportive tool to channel info to the appropriate authority in charge of anti-corruption activities. It helps to link the public and the social, economic and political activities. It thus needs to be broad-minded and perform with professional mind. The media can lead in providing quality information for regulators and other decision makers so as to deal with their own incidences of fraud and corruption when operating under challenging conditions. CultureIn most developing countries today, corruption is widespread and part of everyday life. Society has learned to live with it, even considering it, fanatically, as an integral part of their culture. Not only are public or official decisions – for instance, on example, the award of government contracts. I believe Rwandans have gradually changed the culture of corruption. The civil service, far from being a body that exists to implement the rights of citizens is first and foremost perceived as the least risky way of getting rich quickly. All of which helps to make corruption seem normal. PoliticsMany politicians owe their careers and status to corruption and few of them, if any, will take a stand against it, either for fear of upsetting their own careers or the political status quo generally. For instance, this will influence the passing of laws governing the media, thus limit the flow of quality information to stakeholders. Decision makers will not be able to work professionally if the information is not reaching them on a timely basis. The media can thus, link up the concerned parties. Civil society and the media can help by denouncing corruption and putting pressure on the government. But the real impediments to the fight against corruption are as much the interests of the politico-administrative apparatus as the fatalism and ignorance of the victims, maintained by a culture of fear nurtured by those who benefit from corruption. But before one can act, it is necessary to be informed. That is why research into the incidence of corruption and its effects is so important. Only on that basis can action by civil society and aid agencies be guided. Private sectorThe private sector can also make an important contribution to the fight against corruption, by policing its own codes of conduct and sticking to high standards of governance. Entities with transparency policies do publish their financial statements in the newspapers and websites on a regularly basis. The rest of the society will refer to such best practice. UnderdevelopmentUnderdevelopment is conducive to corruption. In fact, underdevelopment encourages corruption. First of all, low wages in the civil service encourage petty corruption, and the imbalance between the supply of, and demand for, public services likewise creates opportunities for corruption. Also, individuals tend to invest in a career in the public service, given the shortage of opportunities in the private sector, thus increasing the likelihood of their involvement in corrupt practices. Further more, the low level of education found in underdeveloped countries maintains citizens in a state of ignorance of their rights, excluding them from participating in political life. Greater transparency, accountability and merit-based human resource management in public administration are principles which, if implemented, make it possible to curb corruption. The outcomeOnce profits are reported, all stakeholders will fell proud. But are the financial shown show a true and fair view of the affairs of the entity? Clear evidence is Enron. Good profits were being reported, and auditors had done their work. The company CEO decided to happily contribute to Bush elections! In the end it was found that the company was at its verge! Only a whistle-blower managed to shade the light on the scandal. Whistle-blowers are also important! We need quality info to save the public, and the government. To avoid rumours, you need to come out and through the media inform the public. Finally, a free and open media help expose levels of corruption by uncovering and shedding light on abuses. Although Journalists have paid dearly for this, nothing can be achieved without costs. Journalists too, require advanced level of professionalism so as to deliver to people’s expectations. Corrupt Journalists likewise do more harm than good. They can kill the society in all ways. Professional journalism is perfect to deter corruption and fraud. Sebasore@yahoo.com