A country with large population, stiff competition, and witty brains becomes the fundamental of “survival of the fittest” and which really suits the scenario. But here, the survival is easier for the rich and affordable, irrespective of grades and aptitude. Although, it is a different story after they get their educational degree and look for jobs or have to continue their family business. But at the point of time when it comes to grabbing the admission it becomes very obvious that since they have occupied the class seat the deserved one has no choice but to opt out.
In India, graduate exams are conducted at a state level. It means that the final exam of the graduate school is the same to all the students in the state taking the exam. It is uniform in approach and is being graded by professors from other schools.
My friend, Nancy appeared for the final exams and was among the Top Twenty who scored the highest. She wanted to pursue her medical dreams by studying in one of the “A” schools in the city. Although, she was aware about the corruption in the education system, she was determined not to give away with the immoral demands. In parallel, she thought of giving a try and approached the school. They did appreciate her academic standing but were crystal clear for their demand for a hefty “donation”. In fact, she was one of those who deserved a scholarship or fellowship for the program. She approached a couple of other “A” level medical school but was denied admission on the same grounds of so called “donation” (read as bribe). To elaborate, these donations are in addition to paying the tuition and fees. Nancy did not give up her dream of becoming a doctor. She gave her graduate qualifying exams such as GRE and approached some schools in US. She was given a fair justice here by not only being accepting in a good medical schools but was also given a good amount of scholarship and Research assistant position with the college. To mention, she graduated from John Hopkins Medical School, Baltimore and now a surgeon at the hospital.
To look at a broader view, it can be viewed from the society un-ethicalness and its practice. It is an unwritten norm and values that people carry out. These internalized values are made a part of an individual, which has reinforced in it as a custom and practice in society. Not only does these practices affect at a societal level, but also to an individual to a greater extent. Moreover, it also questions professional ethics in the society.
Un-ethicalness such as these; bribing and corruption has become a part of Indian society. To eradicate it, it would require a strong stand by the victims and fight against it.
To answer to the questions of the above case:
- What was the issue? Why do u think that the person acted unethically?
The issue was more on a societal level un-ethicalness and unfortunately is still exiting. The schools reserve admission seats that are based on cast/community or financial status. It is a shame that it still exists in the 21st Century. It is just not a person, but the educational institution as a whole that are collectively unethical.
2. What prompted them to behave in an unethical fashion?
These unethical behaviors of bribes exist because the institutions have its self-interest in matters related money and power.
- Was the decision maker aware that he or she was acting unethically?
The decision makers and the bureaucrats are well aware of the unethical acts. As because of the pressures from bureaucrats, and under the treat of losing jobs, there is a collaborative act for such institutions to engage in unethical and illegal anticompetitive behaviors.
- What was the outcome?
In a way, it is threatening society’s collective interest to one that deserves justice. It discourages free and fair competition. Though a few education systems follow ethicalness and fairness in admission, although hard to find, students have generalized that all schools and universities are corrupt for pursuing professional studies. This has encouraged many Indian students to pursue education in other countries. In this way, the economy is losing talented and able people. Not only is the country faced with labor which are relatively cheap to hire but also decrease in the motivation of talented students to pursue professional studies. These trends will only encourage institutions to engage in a business-money making environment and distracting them in improving their education standards.
