On August 30, 2023, the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau held a discussion exchange “Fraud in relations and corruption in society – coincidence or logical continuation?”. In the discussion, experts in the fields of anti-corruption, etc. discussed whether there was a connection between dishonesty in private life and tolerance to corruption in the country. Experts came to the common opinion – public participation is crucial in the fight against corruption and other crimes that can follow it.
While social psychology research increasingly points to a relationship between corruption and ethical behavior issues at a daily level, there was no consensus among participants in the discussion about the correlation between corruption and dishonesty in everyday situations. The exchange of views generally showed that the problem of corruption is complex and multidimensional. At the same time, the participants in the discussion agreed that combating of corruption requires a comprehensive and structural approach that is in the public interest as a whole, so everyone should be involved in preventing corruption.
Clinical psychologist Kristīne Balode stressed at the event that corruption and its roots may be linked to individual psychology and the parenting process. Attitudes towards fellow human beings, the state and society are emerging from an early age and can influence people’s choices and actions regarding corruption.
Valts Kalniņš, representative of the Public politics center PROVIDUS, said corruption also stems from a misunderstanding of empathy, for example, by justifying corrupts. Historical experience associated with a negative assessment of power structures has created a distorted perception of reporting as a form of betrayal of sorts.
Aigars Rostovskis, President of the Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Council, said corruption cannot be viewed in a simplified way as a tendency towards dishonesty towards fellow human beings or accepting and giving bribes. It’s a broader problem with the relationship between an individual and a country. If barriers are created to business development, this can contribute to the development of corrupt practices as people look for ways to overcome barriers, often thinking directly about their family’s interests.
Andris Bite, President of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia, emphasized the importance of long-term trends in the field of corruption, noting that although there may be a decrease in bribery taking in the business context at this time, the overall trust and ability to overcome such practices still needs to be developed, because trust in the field of reporting has not yet developed.
At the end of the event, representative from the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau Inta Nolle called for a change of mindset and drew attention to the fact that corruption affects every member of society. At the same time, Inta Nolle informed that at the beginning of September the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau will offer residents a new reporting platform “Report to the Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau!” with anonymity and feedback function, as well as a social campaign will be launched. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of corruption and the importance of personal choices by inviting citizens to report suspicions of corruption cases.
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