A Connection Between Corruption and Societal Engagement and Development (The Story of the Clan)

We're going to continue discussing the various influences that contribute to strong economic and social development. Justice is one of the key forces that helps hold societies together. It enables people to engage with institutions and systems based on shared values, trust, and mutual understanding. When people believe the system is fair and that they have an opportunity to succeed, they are more likely to contribute their knowledge, skills, and abilities to society. The opposite could also happen...

Research suggests that as corruption increases, economic growth often slows and public engagement declines. When individuals lose trust in institutions, they may become less willing to invest, participate, or see all systems as helpful. This is why studying corruption and justice is important for anyone interested in building a strong and prosperous society. A healthy society depends on citizens who are willing to engage fully in its economic, political, and social institutions.

To explore these ideas, we will continue using the Hypothetical Story of the Clan as a thought experiment. Like Plato's Allegory of the Cave, it encourages us to examine our assumptions and consider that things may not always be as they first appear. As awareness and understanding increase, new perspectives emerge, allowing us to think more critically about the systems around us. More importantly, how to improve and enhance them.

The article below highlights a connection between a society's level of development and the quality of its institutions. As societies grow stronger and more complex, we generally expect institutions to become more effective, accountable, and responsive. When institutions lag behind, tolerate misconduct, or fail to address problems appropriately, public perception can suffer. Perception matters because it influences engagement in much the same way that consumer confidence influences spending and investment decisions.

At the same time, there is no universal solution to corruption. Anti-corruption policies must be adapted to the unique cultural, economic, and political realities of each society. What works well in one country may not be effective in another. Policymakers must carefully consider how regulations and reforms will function in practice, whether they will produce meaningful improvements, and whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Thoughtful, evidence-based approaches are more likely to strengthen institutions and encourage the public trust that supports long-term development.

As a thought experiment there is no right or wrong but only helpful or unhelpful. You come to your own conclusions. 

Corruption, Anti-Corruption, and Economic Development

• The study examines the complex relationship between corruption, anti-corruption efforts, and economic development, arguing that the effects of anti-corruption policies depend on a country's stage of development and institutional quality.
• Researchers found that while corruption generally hinders long-term economic growth, aggressive anti-corruption campaigns can produce mixed short-term economic outcomes, particularly in developing economies.
• Effective governance, strong institutions, and the rule of law are identified as critical factors that allow anti-corruption measures to support sustainable economic development.
• The article suggests that anti-corruption policies should be tailored to specific national conditions rather than relying on one-size-fits-all approaches, as countries face different political and economic realities.
• The authors conclude that successful economic development requires balancing anti-corruption efforts with policies that maintain economic stability, investment incentives, and institutional effectiveness.

Zhang, M., Zhang, H., Zhang, L., Peng, X., Zhu, J., Liu, D., & You, S. (2023). Corruption, anti-corruption, and economic development. Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 10, 434. https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-023-01930-5

Top Trends for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises-Technology Can Enhance Small Business

Looking at these trends, it is clear that technology is reshaping how businesses operate. Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are likely to benefit from these changes, which is important because a healthy economy depends on a balance between large corporations and smaller businesses. Large companies play an important role, but small and medium-sized businesses are often the source of innovation, experimentation, and new ideas.

Many of today's large corporations grew by acquiring or partnering with smaller firms that developed successful products, services, or technologies. In that sense, a vibrant MSME sector not only strengthens local economies but also contributes to the growth of larger companies.

For markets to remain dynamic and competitive, entrepreneurs must be able to enter and exit industries as opportunities and ideas emerge. Achieving that balance requires an environment where smaller businesses can compete, innovate, and grow. Technology may help create those opportunities by lowering costs, expanding market access, and improving productivity.

According to the International Council for Small Business, one of the most significant trends for 2026 is the growing impact of artificial intelligence on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. AI is increasingly becoming a tool that helps smaller businesses improve efficiency, enhance decision-making, expand their reach, and compete more effectively in a rapidly changing marketplace.

The Top 10 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Trends for 2026

• MSMEs are becoming more agile and globally connected, with solo entrepreneurs and micro-multinationals using digital technologies to compete in international markets from the outset.
• Human-centered business practices are emerging as a key competitive advantage, as customers increasingly value authenticity, personal relationships, and trust in an increasingly automated economy.
• Artificial intelligence is evolving into a strategic partner for entrepreneurs, helping small businesses improve creativity, decision-making, productivity, and customer engagement while complementing rather than replacing human capabilities.
• Local entrepreneurship continues to play a critical role in economic resilience, job creation, and community stability, particularly during periods of economic and environmental uncertainty.
• Despite advances in technology, regulatory complexity and bureaucratic barriers remain significant obstacles to MSME growth, increasing the need for simpler and more entrepreneur-focused public systems.

El Tarabishy, A. (2026). The top 10 micro, small, and medium enterprises trends for 2026. International Council for Small Business. https://icsb.org/icsb-trends/globalmsmestrendstopten2026/

Rethinking Justice as Part of the Democratic Process

 We are going to continue exploring the importance of justice within the broader economic and social systems in which we all live. Too often, people think of justice only as a system for punishing wrongdoing or as a place where people file complaints. While those functions are certainly part of the system, justice plays a much larger role in maintaining trust, stability, and fairness within society. The softer sell is often more important.

Criticism of the justice system is inevitable, and some of that criticism is well-founded: some not so much. Various measures of public confidence suggest that trust in legal and governmental institutions has declined over time. Historical social unrest and ongoing debates about fairness, accountability, and equal treatment under the law have raised important questions about how effectively these institutions are serving the public at various times in history and present.

To explore these issues, we use a philosophical thought experiment called The Story of the Clan. Loosely inspired by Plato's Allegory of the Cave, it is designed to encourage deeper reflection on how systems operate and how individuals become more aware of the forces that shape society. People were followed home, false rumors spread, threats, reputation damage, ostracization, enrichment, misuse of taxpayer dollers, pressuring minorities to leave and the creation of victims which actors in the system blocked from recourse while violating their human, civil, religious and freedom of speech. 

As people gain a greater understanding of these systems, they may also develop a stronger appreciation for the importance of preserving and protecting justice for future generations. A duty and oath by those who believe in the greater purpose of it all. The story is for illustrative purposes and should be thought of as a theoretical possibility. 

One way to strengthen justice is to recognize and support those who uphold ethical principles while also holding accountable those who misuse authority or violate public trust. Institutions have an obligation not only to uphold constitutional values and individual rights but also to address and correct harms when they occur. Good institutional leaders always try and improve and correct. 

In the allegory, certain groups are targeted and marginalized while others profit from division and prejudice. Whistleblowers face retaliation, wrongdoing is often concealed, and responsibility for correcting harm is shifted onto the victims themselves. The story raises questions about what happens when checks and balances fail and when institutions become more focused on protecting themselves than correcting injustice. In this story the actors within the system blocked victims and normalized misbehaviors.

Most people working within institutions are trying to do the right thing. However, when systems fail, it is important to examine why. One criticism often raised is that justice can become overly focused on legal procedures, regulations, and professional gatekeeping rather than its broader purpose of serving people and society. These aspects are often used by corrupt and/or extreme officials. Access to legal resources is often unequal, creating concerns that wealth and influence can affect outcomes.

Others argue that decisions are sometimes influenced by political, ideological, or institutional pressures rather than consistent principles of justice. Judges, attorneys, public officials, and policymakers are all human beings with their own experiences and perspectives. While many serve with integrity, the challenge is ensuring that institutions remain anchored to a clear commitment to fairness, accountability, and the rule of law.

This study below does not claim to provide a complete answer. Rather, it highlights the possibility that a more people-centered approach to justice could strengthen both democratic institutions and public trust. This connects to a broader distinction between the philosophical purpose of justice and its technical operation. While procedures and legal frameworks are important, they should remain tools for achieving justice rather than ends in themselves.

Reasonable people may disagree with the conclusions of this thought experiment. Some may believe the criticisms are overstated, while others may feel they do not go far enough. The purpose is not to demand agreement but to encourage thoughtful examination of how justice systems function and how they might be improved. Where there is commitment there is correction and striving for a higher purpose and performance.

Perhaps the most balanced conclusion is that the system continues to function, but imperfectly. It moves forward, often slowly, with significant room for improvement. At the same time, meaningful reform frequently encounters resistance. Without effective checks and balances, institutions can struggle to correct past wrongdoing, address abuses of power, or prevent individuals from using public systems and resources for private gain at the expense of others. Understanding these challenges is an important step toward building a more just and accountable society.

You don't have to agree with the study. It is presented for the ideas out there. 

Justice Work as Democracy Work: Reimagining Access to Justice as Democratization

• The authors argue that access to justice is fundamentally a democracy issue because meaningful participation in law requires people to understand, use, and help shape the laws that govern their lives.
• They identify three major barriers to justice: regulatory capture by the legal profession, administrative burdens that prevent people from accessing benefits and services, and institutional failures that reduce public trust in legal systems.
• The article critiques lawyer-centered models of legal services, arguing that restrictive rules on who may provide legal assistance limit public participation and hinder access to justice.
• The authors highlight legal empowerment and people-centered justice as emerging frameworks that prioritize community participation, legal literacy, and solutions designed around people's actual needs rather than institutional convenience.
• Community justice workers—trained nonlawyers who help people navigate legal and administrative systems—are presented as a promising way to democratize access to justice, strengthen civic participation, and rebuild trust in democratic institutions.

Burnett, M., & Sandefur, R. L. (2025). Justice work as democracy work: Reimagining access to justice as democratization. South Carolina Law Review, 76, 833–856. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=5365751

Golf, Morning Coffee, Deer, and the Myth of the Mulligan (Technology in Golf)

(Illustrative Only)

Morning is probably the best time to get out on the golf courses around Escanaba. Depending on the day, afternoons and evenings can more busy with leagues, tournaments, and various golf events (We do a lot with golf around here.). The mornings, however, are usually wide open. If you get there when the course opens, you can often play nine holes in about an hour.

That's perfect for golfers like me. I usually play about once a week and hit the driving range once a week. Every now and then I'll sneak in an extra round, but I'm still trying to maintain the illusion that I have self-control.

I was out there this morning with a mug of coffee in hand. The temperature was in the high 60s or low 70s, the sun was just starting to come up, and a few deer were wandering around the course. The deer looked relaxed and confident, which is more than I can say for most golfers standing over a three-foot putt.

By the time I finished my nine holes, my coffee was gone and I had enjoyed a peaceful hour outdoors. One of the best things about morning golf is the quiet. There aren't many people around, so you can move quickly from hole to hole. It's almost like golf polo—minus the horses, the speed, and the athletic ability.

One thing I've noticed is that my swing continues to improve. I've never been a long-ball hitter. Nobody has ever mistaken me for a professional golfer, and if they did, they would quickly realize their mistake. What I am getting better at is accuracy. It turns out that hitting the ball down the fairway is a useful strategy. Revolutionary, I know.

The biggest lesson I've learned is that golf isn't really about swinging harder. For years, my baseball background convinced me that the secret was to attack the ball with maximum force. The ball responded by launching itself in directions that appeared to violate several laws of physics. Once I learned to use my hips, stay smooth, and let the club do the work, things improved dramatically. It's amazing how much farther the ball goes when you stop trying to kill it.

I even managed to stay close to one of my golfing buddies. Officially, he beat me by four strokes. Unofficially, he beat me by two, because at least two of those strokes involved mulligans. He claims mulligans are a legitimate part of golf. I maintain that mulligans belong in the same category as leprechauns, pixies, and Bigfoot—fun to talk about, but not recognized by serious scorekeepers.

To be fair, he has been playing that same course three times a week for decades. Given that experience advantage, only losing by a couple of "real" strokes feels like a victory to me.

If you're checking out golf around the Escanaba area, take a look at the courses listed below and the article on golf technology. Some of the technology is impressive, although I'm not sure I need a computer, a satellite, and artificial intelligence to tell me that my last shot landed in the woods.

One final thought: technology can make golf easier, but easier isn't always better. Walking a course can burn hundreds of calories and provides a surprisingly good workout. I admit that I occasionally ride in a cart because I'm conducting important research on golf-cart comfort and beverage stability. Still, walking has its advantages.

Sometimes the best technology is a comfortable pair of shoes, a good cup of coffee, and enough golf balls to survive the front nine.

A link to Escanaba Golf Courses

You might want to read this article on the AI Technology Golf

Thinking about this electric golf caddy I'm wonder if we would walk more, get more exercise, if we didn't have to carry the clubs? It is a touch pricey but then again if you want to get into shape and walk it might do the trick. Electric Golf Cady

2026 CEO Survey Highlights AI Transformation and the Need for Human Capital

When we look at the survey below, we begin to understand some of the changes CEOs are making. This 2026 study explores how AI is becoming an innovation flywheel and how business leaders are increasingly focusing on using it to drive growth, productivity, and innovation.

Technology, when implemented effectively, has the potential to enhance human capital by extending the creative capacity, productivity, and reach of individual workers. As a result, some organizations are becoming flatter and less hierarchical because AI gives employees greater ability to perform complex tasks, solve problems, and contribute at higher levels.

The innovation and strategic advantages associated with early AI adoption are particularly evident in developed economies that embraced these technologies sooner. However, this advantage is unlikely to remain permanent. Sustained success will depend not only on access to technology but also on the development of human capital through education, training, and workforce adaptation. Organizations that invest in both AI capabilities and employee development are likely to be better positioned to compete in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

2026 CEO Study: 5 Plays for AI-First Transformation

• IBM’s study argues that successful CEOs are redesigning the C-suite around AI, decentralizing decision-making, increasing cross-functional collaboration, and empowering leaders such as Chief AI Officers to accelerate enterprise-wide transformation.
• High-performing organizations are creating an “AI-agent flywheel” by using AI to improve productivity, reinvesting those gains into innovation, and embedding AI into operational workflows. CEOs expect AI to handle nearly half of operational decisions by 2030.
• Competitive advantage increasingly depends on combining proprietary data, intellectual property, and customized AI models rather than relying solely on generic foundation models. CEOs expect these tailored AI strategies to drive future revenue growth and innovation.
• Organizations that redesign how humans and AI work together are more likely to achieve their business objectives. The study emphasizes breaking down traditional barriers between technology and business functions to improve performance.
• Looking beyond current AI adoption, CEOs are encouraged to prepare for emerging technologies such as quantum computing through strategic partnerships, ecosystem participation, workforce reskilling, and organizational adaptability.

IBM Institute for Business Value. (2026). 2026 CEO study: 5 plays for AI-first transformation. IBM. https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/c-suite-study/ceo

The Psychology of Bartending

Lively conversations are always part of the fun at one of our local veterans clubs. As a part-time bartender, you quickly learn valuable interpersonal and multitasking skills that help you connect with people from all walks of life. There is some psychololgy in bartending.

In this particular discussion, we debated jokingly whether mulligans in golf are a lot like pixies and the Easter Bunny—they're make-believe and should be backed out of the final score. (A subtle jab at the creative math some golfers use. 😊). Bringing scores back into reality.

The article below explores the interpersonal, communication, and multitasking skills that bartenders develop while working in fast-paced social environments.

The Psychology of Bartending

Quiet Saturday Mornings on the Beach Escanaba

 Saturday mornings in Escanaba. A quiet beach. Almost isolated but just a mile or do from downtown. 

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