Paper Example on a Detailed Explanation of Applying Theories of Corruption in a Group Podcast

Introduction

The main objective of this paper is to give a detailed explanation of how I applied theories about corruption as one of the topics identified in the group podcast during the case study. Following my explanations of the theories used to analyze corruption cases performed by Brett Jones will be the group's successful measures that enabled the completion of the task. I will also include necessary future improvements regarding my personal experience while undertaking any similar case study projects.

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Case Study Analysis

The main issue I identified in the case study was corruption. Through unethical corrupt means of operations, Hydro Generation (HG) devoted and determined efforts could get jeopardized and in turn affect the organisation's performance and meeting the assignment contracted to it. In many African nations, Hydro Generation (HG) has been a success in many countries due to the artistic management and influential culture the company has widely employed. However, despite the use of global culture to succeed in the business operation, some managers in different nations have been used to adopt the native culture. Brett Jones is one of the managers who has performed his assignment and duties with outstanding results. However, Jones' skills have raised many questions than answers. Thus, the analysis will critically elucidate on two major concepts, which include corruption and opposition from groups acting on behalf of local tribes and how these issues can get mitigated through a managerial scope of view.

National Culture Theory

I used the National Culture theory to present how Jones violated the codes of conduct of HG by manipulating cultural policies to ensure the completion of his assignments. Jones is one of the devoted and hardworking managers in the organization, with a diverse understanding of African culture. However, despite using these skills to the organization's benefits, Jones went beyond the corporate regulations. According to the HG vice president Graham Steinberg, Jones was too zealous to conciliate the Tanzanian way of business practice, a national culture that went parallel to the Hydro Generation's values. The national culture embraced by Jones helped to speed up most of the activities in the region. The bottom line was that the consequences might have unforeseen repercussions.

According to Brazys, Elkink, and Kelly (2017 p.227) observation, national culture is one of the leading causes of corruption in many countries, affecting the performance of many firms. HG was no exception to the exploitation of this form of national culture. While the firm is built and operated under a set of strict codes of ethics regulations, Jones went against them. Tanzania is among one of the most corrupt nations in East Africa, due to the adopted and upheld weak national culture in terms of business operation (Brazys, Elkink, and Kelly, 2017 p.229). In Jones' views, he opted to practice in a broader range of corruption activities, not only paying extra but also practicing nepotism to gain favor from the customs official. Hofstede's cultural theory is crucial to address and recommend the proper consideration, which Jones should have used as a manager.

According to Brazys, Elkink, and Kelly (2017 p.331) analysis, countries like Tanzania face lower economic development, not to mention the less financial freedom experienced in the nation. The country has higher income inequality, a concept that increases the levels of corruption in the government. According to Saleem, and Larimo, (2017 P.247), Hofstede's cultural theory is one of the scopes that may be used to critically address Jones' condition and his behavior towards developing a culture of speeding things. Based on the scenario, Jones utilized one of the concepts discussed in Hofstede's cultural theory "power distance index," an idea that shows higher interests in power ranking and authority.

Referring to Jones' way of doing business in this case, it is clear that he found a way of speeding things up, by offering bribes to the government institutions. However, Jones's aim got geared towards succeeding in every task assigned to him, and by so doing, he polished his image. Hofstede's cultural theory in this aspect outlines self-gratification and success through the concept of individualism vs. collectiveness. Jones used this opportunity to create a positive image at the expense of the company's reputation. However, the impact of this concept may have far-reaching consequences, especially when employees conspire with the customs officials to overcharge the company's raw material used for the dam construction.

Solution Recommendation

To recommend a solution to the problem faced by Hydro Generation (HG) in Tanzania, I will consider theories concerning ethical policies affecting an organization. The managerial codes of conduct regarding the firm's operations must be amended in a bid to apply strict policies that uphold the company's integrity. A firm promoting a culture of integrity would initiate principals of transparency while making transactions and decisions involving its partners (Vaduza et al., 2016, p. 31). Therefore, necessary policy implementation regarding the codes of conduct of the managers will oversee the overall integrity superseding any unethical behaviors involving the firm's operations.

Furthermore, I would also recommend that measures to promote inclusivity of concerned stakeholders in the business operations of HG to get incorporated. Emphasis on accountability will, therefore, improve the business operations concerning the moral obligations of the managers. According to Dekker (2017 p. 133), transformation in the performance of a company must adhere to inclusivity and extensive consultations with the concerned authorities from the stakeholders of the projects undertaken to the local authorities involved in the operations. I found out that such measures will be essential to ensure credible and crucial decision making regarding the company's service, which Jones did not consider.

Analysis of the Group's Activities

I observed that during the group's case study, every discussion and meeting we held went well according to the necessary measures we implemented to help in completing the task. Through comprehensive discussions, we covered the topics involved in the podcast in detailed research. Although we encountered issues regarding time management, we were able to utilize the time we had to perform an extensive analysis of the topic given. It was also necessary for the group to formulate effective procedures that we used while conducting the case study. By doing so, we managed to complete the task on a stipulated time, and we had more time to prepare the podcast.

Considering any future tasks provided, personal improvements while undertaking case study activities would be necessary. I will need to improve on effective scheduling of events and how I would handle the project to manage my time efficiently. I would also consider disintegrating the project into manageable parts that I can handle with ease while saving on time as much as I can.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the case study allowed me to develop skills in critical analysis and thoughtful organization of my research according to the topic provided. It was also an excellent opportunity to grow time management skills and techniques to ensure a productive group discussion. The corruption matter, therefore, is a matter that affects my code of ethics as well as others with aid to get favor or comparative advantage. And therefore in any organization code of ethics should be controlled to enhance development and continuity of the business.

References

Brazys, S., Elkink, J.A., and Kelly, G., 2017. Bad neighbors? How co-located Chinese and World Bank development projects impact local corruption in Tanzania. The Review of International Organizations, 12(2), pp.227-350.

Saleem, S., and Larimo, J., 2017. Hofstede's cultural framework and advertising research: An assessment of the literature. In Advances in Advertising Research (Vol. VII) (pp. 247-263). Gabler, Wiesbaden: Springer.

Vaduva, S., Alistar, V.T., Thomas, A.R., Lupitu, C.D., and Neagoie, D.S., 2016. Moral leadership in business: towards a business culture of integrity. Switzerland: Springer. (pp. 24-44).

Dekker, W. D. (2017). Global Mindset and Cross-Cultural Behavior: improving leadership effectiveness. Springer. (pp. 107-140).