03.00.T01-PRR — Pre-Reading Reflection: My Experiences and Views on Corruption

Taking Stock Before I Begin

Before exploring this Guide, take time to reflect on your experiences, observations and beliefs regarding corruption.

There are no right or wrong answers. The purpose of this reflection is to help you identify your current thinking and experiences before you begin the journey.

Part A: My Understanding of Corruption

1. When you hear the word "corruption," what immediately comes to mind?

2. How would you define corruption in your own words?

3. Which forms of corruption have you encountered most often?

☐ Bribery

☐ Kickbacks

☐ Favouritism

☐ Nepotism

☐ Abuse of authority

☐ Extortion

☐ Embezzlement

☐ Other:

4. Why do you think corruption continues to exist despite laws, policies and regulations designed to prevent it?

Part B: My Personal Experiences

5. Have you ever witnessed corruption?

☐ Frequently

☐ Occasionally

☐ Rarely

☐ Never

6. What type of corruption have you observed most often?

7. How did the situation affect the people involved?

8. Have you ever been expected to offer a bribe, facilitation payment or unofficial gift in order to receive a service?

☐ Yes

☐ No

☐ Prefer Not to Say

If yes, what happened?

Part C: Corruption in Society

9. Which sectors do you believe are most affected by corruption?

☐ Government

☐ Business

☐ Education

☐ Health

☐ Religious institutions

☐ Community organisations

☐ Other:

10. In your view, who suffers most when corruption occurs? Why?

11. What impact do you think corruption has on service delivery and public trust?

12. Why do you think some citizens continue paying bribes even when they know it is wrong?

Part D: Looking at Myself

The Preface challenges readers not only to blame systems and other people but also to examine their own role in addressing corruption.

13. To what extent do you believe ordinary people contribute to the persistence of corruption?

14. What responsibility do you think you personally have in combating corruption?

15. In what situations might you find it difficult to resist participating in corruption?

16. What do you think makes some people stand firm while others compromise?

Part E: Faith and Corruption

The Preface suggests that God-fearing people are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against corruption.

17. What role do you believe faith should play in combating corruption?

18. Why do you think some religious people still become involved in corruption?

19. What responsibility do faith communities have in addressing corruption?

20. What does a "zero-tolerance" attitude towards corruption mean to you?

Part F: Looking Ahead

21. What would a corruption-free organisation look like?

22. What would a corruption-free community look like?

23. What would a corruption-free nation look like?

24. Do you believe corruption can be significantly reduced or defeated? Why or why not?

My Starting Point

25. What concerns you most about corruption today?

26. What question do you hope this Guide will answer for you?

27. What personal challenge or struggle related to corruption would you like this Guide to help you address?

Before I Begin

28. What is one thing you hope to gain from reading this Guide?

29. What role would you like to play in promoting integrity and reducing corruption in your sphere of influence?

30. Complete the statement below.

As I begin this Guide, I believe that defeating corruption requires: