A distinguished professor of Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, Prof. Bolanle Ogungbamila, has called for the adoption of whistleblowing and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategies to tackle workplace corruption.
Delivering AAUA’s 32nd Inaugural Lecture, titled “My Lord, I Am Corrupt for a Just Cause”, on January 14, 2025, Prof. Ogungbamila emphasized integrity, fairness, and transparency as fundamental to organizational effectiveness.
“Organizations must anchor their policies and processes on integrity and transparency. Leveraging modern ICT tools for thorough and regular audits should go beyond financial matters to cover all aspects of workplace operations,” he said.
Defining Workplace Corruption
Prof. Ogungbamila described workplace corruption as the exploitation of office, power, and privileges for personal gain, emphasizing the need for robust checks and balances to prevent such misconduct.
He proposed specialized units within Human Resource departments to address diversity, inclusion, and justice concerns while fostering clear communication channels across all organizational levels.
“Effective communication of anti-corruption efforts—horizontally, laterally, upward, and downward—ensures employees align their moral obligations with the organization’s ethical standards,” he added.
Rewards, Punishments, and Ethical Training
The scholar stressed the importance of establishing fair reward and punishment systems, ethical training, and moral role modeling to reinforce integrity in the workplace.
“Organizations should instill punishment anxiety by promptly and fairly addressing misconduct while fostering an environment where employees can develop and mirror ethical behavior from physical and virtual role models,” he explained.
He advocated regular reviews of reward systems and ethical training programs to reflect evolving workplace and societal ethics.
Whistleblowing with Safeguards
Prof. Ogungbamila underscored whistleblowing as a critical tool for combating corruption, cautioning against its misuse for personal gain.
“While incentivizing whistleblowing, organizations must avoid a ‘cobra effect,’ where employees fabricate reports for financial rewards. Whistleblowers must be shielded from retaliation, and Nigeria urgently needs comprehensive laws to protect them and their families,” he said.
He also recommended simplifying whistleblowing processes and providing practical training to help employees report unethical behavior effectively.
Role of Media and Accountability Culture
The professor urged media outlets to highlight the societal impacts of workplace corruption, focusing on how diverted resources could have benefitted organizations and communities.
“By illustrating the economic and psychological harm of corruption, media reports can foster a deeper understanding of its consequences,” he stated.
He advocated for promoting accountability, transparency, fairness, and trust within organizations while recognizing employees for their integrity.
Work Integrity and Accountability Fellowship
To further encourage ethical behavior, Prof. Ogungbamila proposed the establishment of a Work Integrity and Accountability Fellowship (WIAF) for employees who demonstrate high levels of integrity and accountability.
“WIAF Fellows can serve as anti-corruption agents, fostering an environment where integrity and activism thrive,” he noted.
Vice Chancellor’s Commendation
The Vice Chancellor of AAUA, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, praised Prof. Ogungbamila’s academic achievements and his commitment to research.
“Prof. Ogungbamila is a scholar of great distinction, with over 40 international journal publications and contributions to several books. His lecture challenges us to rethink traditional approaches and inspires innovative solutions to societal challenges,” Prof. Ige remarked.
The event marked a thought-provoking call to action for organizations and society to prioritize ethical practices and combat workplace corruption effectively.
