On queuing and bribes

Your recent reports on queuing and corruption have made me wonder whether there isn't a direct relationship between the length of queues and corruption. That is, the longer the line, the greater the incentive for bribery on the part of those expected to queue.

Or, to put it another way, the failure of managers in a bureaucracy (public or private) to provide adequate staffing to preclude long lines is an invitation, whether intended or not, for the staff to expect to be able to demand bribes in return for permitting the queue to be jumped.

To put my formulation to the test: The longest lines that I am aware of are those for driver's permits. Have any of your readers ever persisted in standing in such queues to the bitter end, instead of offering bribes to the very police bureaucrats who are responsible for failing to organize the process more efficiently, or for failing to provide adequate staffing?

WILL JOURDIN

Denpasar, Bali