What exactly is “pragmatic integrity” in the context of management? I was flummoxed when an industrialist who has (according to his spin doctors) taken on him the onerous task of weeding corruption from public life and help Indian industry embrace integrity lobbed the term. With not a clue about what he was trying to say, I nudged him for an explanation.
Which was, naturally enough, to get the gentleman going. “You see one must be pragmatic. Calling for an all out war on corruption is not the solution as it is not achievable, neither is it practical. One has to differentiate between speed money and bribe. Speed money, is like a tip that you pay for efficient and prompt service, while a bribe is what you pay to get things done, by breaking or bending the rules. All I am saying is that we should be pragmatic enough to overlook instances of greasing the palm and try not to pay out and out bribes.”
So paying a government servant to “speed up” your work is okay? It is, according to my friend, who says as an industrialist he cannot, in all fairness claim, that he himself has not bribed his way out of tricky situations. So why is this hoo-hah about integrity? And the sermon on integrity and the corrosion in the moral fabric of the Nation begins. Having opened his mouth, the gentleman continues unabated – to put his foot into it : “it is akin to the use of plastic – we all use it knowing fully well that it is bad. What I propound is that use plastic – just don’t throw them away. Reuse them, thereby reducing the impact on nature.” Then he draws the parallels “speed money to the industry is like a plastic bag on a rainy day. You just can’t do without it. And if you are so concerned, you can always plant a tree to offset your sin. It will be good PR too!”
Before I could gasp for breath on the face of his “pragmatic” onslaught, the gentleman who operates in one of the more polluting industries stunned me with another one of his originals. “You see, we often have to pay bribes because it has become the norm. It is often cheaper to pay your way out, rather than take on the system and spend valuable time and money to do things the honest way. That is why I am giving this clarion call to instill integrity in the nation’s soul so that people do not ask for bribes which in turn will ensure that we pay no bribes.” Bingo!
But why can’t you do it the normal, natural way? I mean, surely you can start by setting an example – the money and effort that you are spending to preach integrity to the nation can easily be spent to fight corruption. You can easily declare your company to be one that is a “no bribe” corporate. And if the so called “system” strikes back, you can always use the media to highlight your plight!
“Perhaps” mumbles the self-styled messiah, “but then again, that is not pragmatic. You see, as the head of a listed entity, I cannot wager the faith shareholders have reposed on me. I cannot endanger their funds by being honest.” How very convenient!!
What about the age old dictum’s then I ask in parting? I mean surely the physician can heal thyself and begin his charity from home? “Sounds good, but not at all practical” quips my friend getting agitated at my stupid questions, “you people live in a world of your own. With your misplaced morals, look at what you have achieved. Now compare that to what I have achieved, my way. Can your dictum’s give you the wealth that I have created?” I had no answers to that. Money as always wins, however lunatic may the logic be!