complex problems

You might have seen that the slogan we have up on our website is this:

"The common ground between complex problems and simple solutions."

In explaining what this means we often refer to the use of an efficiency rudder used to improve the turning circle of ships (read about it here). In a similar light, I've discovered the story of John Snow as an example of how a simple solution can solve a complex problem ...

As we've gathered stories in organisations, we've often come across stories that deal with corruption and bribery. I recently saw a communication from a large South African paper producing company with regards to gifts and hospitality. It outlines the following points:

I would like to bring to your attention that the following is applicable to any gifts and hospitality offered to our employees:

1.Only gifts and hospitality of an advertising nature of a reasonable value on which the name of the ad­vertiser is indelibly printed, is considered acceptable.

2.Entertainment such as lunches, dinners and braai's where the sole purpose of said function is to entertain our personnel only, should not be offered or arranged.

Gifts, hospitality and favours offered outside these limits will be considered inappropriate and may reflect negatively on our future business dealings.

Just like that - future business will be at risk if any of the above is contravened. Now, bribery is a huge problem in South African, especially when it comes to currying favour with the buying department of one of your clients.

The above letter comes from a company that is well located amongst the smaller, more rural towns in South Africa.