Interview with Prof Dr B.J.S. Hoetjes
As an extraordinary professor Prof Dr B.J.S. Hoetjes is attached to, among other universities, the University of Maastricht. He is also the writer of the book ‘Kreukbare Overheid’ (Impeachable Government).
We asked him: "To what extent is it okay to accept promotional gifts?"
According to Mr Hoetjes it is not realistic to refuse every gift. It is simply adherent to business relations to offer gifts. It is therefore not necessarily wrong to accept a gift. We always tend to determine in detail what is and is not acceptable but, says Mr Hoetjes: "It is actually about asking yourself the following questions:
- Can I return it without jeopardizing my position?
- Can I bring it out into the open?
- How do I deal with relations who do not offer gifts?"
The answer to these questions can help an employee to make the right decision. It is all about openness, clarity and honesty.
Code of conduct
Mr Hoetjes thinks it is definitely worth the effort to draw up a code of conduct. It is a point of reference that can be used to draw up the more specific rules at work. The result is that employees know what they can expect. Naturally a code of conduct alone is not enough: audit procedures and segregation of duties, in public and in private enterprises, are crucial. They are the hard criteria!
The government
Mr Hoetjes considers that the tendency to privatise the public sector can easily lead to confusion and might affect the integrity of staff. Common interests and operational interests may come into conflict with each other. This might even create an unbalanced growth in society. The sheer act of acknowledging that the government has its own clear-cut role, linked to social values, may already have a preventive effect.
The management
Professor Hoetjes warns about the adverse effects of solely rebuking after the detection of an incident. Such repressive measures fail to have the desired effect among colleagues in similar functions. They may cause employees to feel insecure and even frightened. Some may even start files because they get the feeling that they have to defend themselves. As a consequence, the own self becomes more important than general and business interests. In short, a situation arises that nobody has wished for. According to Hoetjes these situations are a unique opportunity to make the matter a subject of discussion and remove fear. In the discussion it is important to explain the purpose of the rules. If the rules are unclear, and remain so, this may lead to cynicism, with all its consequences.
With regard to special phone lines for employees to inform about the inappropriate behaviour of colleagues, Hoetjes warns of a disproportional reaction and "private justice". The thing is to investigate thoroughly and impose sanctions that are in proportion to the findings of the investigation.
The key to success in discouraging inappropriate behaviour?
The management should pass on the rules by setting a good example and not use to many fine words. Example is better than precept!
