Sycophancy, a Tool for Upward Mobility, Self-Efficacy and Resilience in Africa

Abstract

Background: The study aims to shed light on sycophancy as a mechanism for survival in the political economy in Africa, due to the systemic inequities in the distribution of wealth and income. It aims to show that sycophancy is a constitutional and legal construct, and to understand the motivations of the “Yes-man or -woman”. Finally, it will attempt to establish the linkages between sycophancy and corruption, underdevelopment and poor accountability standards. Sycophancy allows obsequious flattery of officeholders, in order to win favors and circumvent meritocracy and those with solid qualifications in competing for economic opportunities. Method and Methodology: The case-study method was used with Ghana as the case for the analysis. The methodological approach of phenomenology, buttressed by ethnographic information adopted, enabled the author to investigate the presumed national negative trait of sycophancy in the broader Public Service. Results: The emergence of sycophancy in the political economy can be traced to the content of Chapter Eight of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana, mandating the power to appoint and fire to the executive in Article 57(1). All appointments, emoluments and fringe benefits are also vested in the mandate given to the President in Articles 70 and 71 of the Constitution. Sycophancy, is not only a social construct but constitutional and legal constructs. Discussion: It appears the people
of Ghana are willing to sacrifice social cohesion in exchange for subjective upward mobility, self-efficacy and resilience. This requires the idolization of political officeholders, because of the lack of economic opportunities. To estop the conduct, employment in the private sector will have to grow to nullify the power of the officeholders in wealth and income re-distribution. Conclusion: Objective performance, loyalty and disinterested generosity are unreliable norms and unattainable goals in Ghana’s moral landscape and interpersonal dealings. The cultural and ethical trait of sycophancy, it appears, shall continue to undermine Ghana’s pursuit of financial independence, economic sovereignty and achieving high per capital income. The latent defect in the constitutional framework, has helped to weaponize sycophancy as a tool for upward mobility, self-efficacy and resilience building.