Acceptance of status quo

In some parts of the infrastructure sector, corrupt practices have become so engrained that they have become accepted as the norm. 

Many people will accept the status quo and will make little attempt to change it.  They make excuses:

• “If we stop bribing, our competitors will not stop.  Therefore, we have to bribe in order to remain competitive.” (bribery)
• “Inflating a claim is not fraud; it makes good business sense as we could make more profit if we get away with it.  Also, the other party is going to knock down our claim amount, so we have to add a bit extra just in case. Everyone does it.” (fraud)
• “The market is very competitive. Prices are therefore far too low. Far more sensible to share the work then we can all make a good profit.” (cartels)

In some cases, people act corruptly because they are profiting from the situation.

In other cases, they may do so only because everyone else in the industry is acting in this manner.

Alternatively, people may feel powerless or too nervous to attempt to change the status quo.