Module 3 • Ethics and social responsibility


• We will be diligent in the management of the public finances – and not burden future generations unduly;


• We will vigorously pursue savings within all spheres of government; and • We will ensure consistency in policy, while creating room for engagement and review.


These are commitments that flow from values embedded in our Constitution. But for us to succeed we need a shared compact, across all the divides in this House, and across the nation: • We will not tolerate corruption; • We will act forcefully against wastage; • We will insist on value for money for the billions that we spend; • We will clean up the procurement system and take strong action against those who feed selfishly off the state!


We are particularly concerned about the number of government tenders, in all three spheres of government, that are tainted by corruption. Corrupt officials stand on one side, while on the other stand corrupt business people. A culture of gifts, wining and dining, and all manner of enticement has become pervasive. We must act decisively against such a tendency, and we must do so together. Honourable Speaker, we are called upon to make a special effort to protect the values on which our democracy is founded. Only then will we experience real freedom in our country, for all people.”


Questions: 1. What is corruption? 2. What are the reasons for corruption in our country? 3. In what way is corruption handicapping our country? 4. What is meant by the statement, “corruption is stealing from the poor”?


2.1 The ethical perspective


What do you do if decisions are not clear-cut? What guidelines can you use to put the dilemma that you are facing into perspective? What is an appropriate decision?


Activity 2 John the Sales Person


John, a sales manager of a high tech company in a very competitive industry was experiencing a lot of pressure. Sales had been down for the last six months and his boss was putting pressure on him. Apart from that, their kids were growing up and they would have liked to give them a good tertiary education. This would not be possible if he didn’t get some sort of a promotion since they were feeling the pinch. However, his department’s current performance was limiting such a possibility. John’s search for a top flight experienced sales representative had not been successful until a few days earlier when he had interviewed a very likely prospect.


From the moment they met, John felt that this was just the person he had in mind. He had an outstanding sales record, knew the industry backwards and had just quit a top job with their major competitor. This person stood head and shoulders above all the other applicants. Apart from calling one or two references, John had just about made up his mind, when that sales representative took an envelope from his briefcase. He explained that there was a computer disc inside with a wealth of information on it. It included profiles of all his previous company’s customers and cost data on a bid for a major contract bid for which John’s company was


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