(a) “Corruption is the manifestation of the failure of core values in the society.” In your opinion, what measures can be adopted to uplift the core values in the society? (b) In the context of work environment, differentiate between ‘coercion’ and ‘undue influence’ with suitable examples.

(a) Upholding core values to fight corruption

Corruption reflects a collapse of core values — honesty, integrity, empathy and public spirit. Measures to strengthen them include:

• Value education and character-building from school (NEP 2020) and within the family.
• Ethical leadership that sets a personal example — the 'tone at the top'.
• Transparency and accountability systems — RTI, e-governance and social audit — that reduce opportunity.
• Recognition of role models and celebration of integrity.
• Swift and certain punishment to deter wrongdoing and re-anchor social norms.

(b) Coercion versus undue influence

Coercion is compelling consent through force, threat or an unlawful act — for example, a supervisor threatening to terminate a subordinate unless she signs a false report. Undue influence is subtler: exploiting a position of power or trust to dominate another's will without overt force — for example, a senior leveraging control over appraisals to make a dependent junior clear a dubious file. Coercion works through fear; undue influence works through relationship and dependence.