How my MBA allowed me to detect corruption in the public sector

As an MBA candidate, research skills are high on the learning agenda; likewise, critical thinking, deductive reasoning and self-reflection are key acclimatisation skills for successful candidates to possess.

Leadership is difficult to apply in an online learning format; whilst the theory may be learnt by reading reference books, it is not an ideal learning environment. Likewise, writing assignments and active participation in case studies allows practical application to be considered less haphazard to embed than pure book learning.

Aside from leadership, pretty much all of the skill-sets are eLearning compatible within a learning management system. These analytical skills are reproduced in the workplace allowing core business concepts to applied in a actual business environment.

A key MBA skill is to identify an issue utilising contemporary diagnostic frameworks, apply analytical concepts to determine a course of action, implement a range of solutions and monitor results.

After two and a half years of part-time tuition; I found it relatively simple to identify a series of abuses of position, a complete lack of academic leadership, coercion, threats, fraudulent financial reporting and the corrupt promotion of staff willing to engage in activities to support the ringleader.

The critical thinking, deductive reasoning and self-reflection skills I learnt during my course certainly assisted in the identification of the corruptive forces acting against the strategic business unit.

A plan needed to be devised to fight the corrupt forces, their strategy was to sideline me, derive me of information and undermine my influence. So the first step is to inform upper management to gain their support so as to address this issue internally.

The other option would be to try and cover it up - this was unfortunately their selection. What was needed was more than reporting of corrupt dealings, a series of solutions including an implementation plan and monitoring.

Should the second option be pursued then the Corruption and Crime Commission, Public Sector Commission, Auditor General, Training Accreditation Council, Department of Training and Workforce Development, Governing Council, Australian Quality Standards Authority.

Even the Minister may need to be informed if instead of internally rectifying this problem isn't addressed. If there is no acceptance that an issue exists by senior management then an external team may need to be brought in to clean this mess up.

I am offering them solutions, I hope they finally make a smart decision and get serious about combating corruption. The issue of corruption in the public sector is a pressing issue that must not be taken lightly, not when public funds are at stake.