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entry for space blog stories and reviews |
Tough Decisions The Toughest Decision Bodhisattwa Parekh After getting seniority, It was a very difficult decision. The salary was handsome. But the owner forced me To take a bribe for passing a tender. But I was firm. I can't compromise my honesty. So I left the job. Title: Integrity vs. Compliance: Lessons from a Career in Foreign Service ________________________________________ In every profession, there comes a moment when principles collide with policies. For me, those moments were not rare—they were defining. ________________________________________ Reflection: This post about bribery prompted me to reflect on my career as a foreign service officer. In the course of handling visa applications and providing American Citizen Services, I often encountered situations where doing the right thing conflicted with established rules, procedures, and political pressures from superiors. My guiding principle—though not widely shared—was that we should begin by determining what is ethically right, then find a way to accomplish it within the framework of rules and regulations. If that required challenging the prevailing party line or resisting political pressure, so be it. Ultimately, our responsibility is to uphold what is right. Regrettably, there were many occasions when I compromised and made decisions that, while consistent with policy and political guidance, felt morally wrong. Those moments remain a sobering reminder of the tension between integrity and institutional constraints. ________________________________________ Key Takeaways: • Integrity should guide decisions: Begin with what is ethically right before considering rules or political pressures. • Rules are a framework, not an excuse: Regulations should support justice, not override it. • Courage matters: Doing the right thing often requires resisting external pressures and standing alone. • Compromise has consequences: Each morally questionable decision leaves a lasting impact on personal and professional integrity. ________________________________________ |
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