A local business executive has spoken out against corruption and nepotism, expressing concern that a culture of dishonesty and trickery is taking hold in the country.
"Corruption and nepotism can be lucrative but it is so risky," said Kristine Thompson, director of Chuck E Cheese's, when he took part in a panel discussion on ethical leadership, the latest in the Leadership Series hosted by the Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business (ALJGSB), Mt Hope. The session on Tuesday evening also featured contributions by Ronald Harford, chairman of Republic Bank Ltd and Miguel Carillo, executive director at ALJGSB.
Thompson appealed to the business community and citizens in general to continue to work hard and be honest, since that approach will bring success."The self-satisfaction that comes with that travelled road is so much sweeter than what people get with ill-gotten gains," she said."It is a feeling that no court of law would want to take way from you."
Thompson warned against falling into the trap of the developing culture where some people feel corruption is the only way to achieve success."We hear things like you cannot get ahead unless you know someone, or you are in some way crooked. Unfortunately, many of our citizens in their hearts believe that. It seems like such a defeatist attitude. If you are not prepared then do not get engaged in those activities," she said.
"This is now more important in light of the shame and scandal of recent events and it does appear that we are developing this culture of dishonesty and trickery as the norm."Thompson told members of the business community that simple things like paying taxes can contribute to a new culture of transparency and the rule of law.
"Staying within the confines of the law. How simple is that? Not paying some taxes, some duties...you must pay all taxes and all duties. Also, getting the required approvals before you build and open a business. Why would you take the chance and have someone come and shut you down? It just does not make sense," she said.
She also urged business owners to treat their employees the same way they treat customers."If you are obsessed with customer satisfaction then you must be obsessed with employee satisfaction. One does not come without the other."Harford, in his contribution to the discussion, said there are many people in positions of leadership in the country who should not be there.
"If you want to master the world, master yourself first. I see leaders coming up in this country who want to master the country but cannot master themselves. They cannot master small groups of people around them but they want to master the country. If you want to be a true leader it is essential to have self-discipline," he said.