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 is good business sense as we could make more profit if we get away with it.  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, this may be because they are profiting from the situation.

However, in many cases it will be because people are indifferent, or they feel powerless or too nervous to attempt to change the status quo.