This is certainly worth considering as a worst-case scenario in a society where the economy spirals out of control ostensibly due to lack of interest as there is no incentive to do better. I have witnessed firsthand the decline of state-run industry in countries in Africa for example, due to mismanagement and lack of true control. There is nothing aspirational for employees to work towards and therefore backhanders from 3rd parties tend to be the order of the day that motivates and drives any activity whatsoever, usually in this case for the worse.