The Motivations of Corruption (Thought Experiment on Corruption and Hate)

Corruption is a disease on any society and undermines institutions and public trust. Not to mention the loss of resources that could be used for public good. Thinking about the sources of corruption and some of the motivations for engaging in such acts we find that it revolves around self-interest, ideologies, and social expectations.

Let us think of a hypothetical situation for philosophical purposes where a member of society is targeted to financially and socially reward in-group members. In this example the laws no longer function as intended because the decision makers, the investigators and the perpetrators were part of the same social networks (known as The Clan). 

(It's just a learning example so take a breath. We know this is unlikely to happen in actual life in most situations and places.)

Multiple incidents of self-enrichment by using aggression against out group members and manipulation of the sick and elderly were apparent. Investigations were blocked from review, but corrupted officials opened investigations into victims who complained. Social and ideological pressures were high leading to rigid group adherence. 

Numerous others came forward and the corrupted actors couldn't cover it up any longer. Decision makers ignored whistleblowers and more victims were created. Except this time people became conscious they were not the only victims. Informal chatter turned into complaints.

This philosophical example clearly highlights the potential upside we might have in thinking of appropriate checks and balances.Group think can run down a pattern and when mixed with motivations that underline corruption then we are unlikely going to see natural adjustments. It may be necessary to change the structure to change the culture where corruption has been embedded.

 You can read the following study,

Exploring the path to corruption-An informed grounded theory study on the decision-making process underlying corruption

Manara MU, Nübold A, van Gils S, Zijlstra FRH. Exploring the path to corruption-An informed grounded theory study on the decision-making process underlying corruption. PLoS One. 2023 Sep 21;18(9):e0291819. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291819. PMID: 37733675; PMCID: PMC10513331.