Essay 3

Question 5 Corruption erodes trust, weakens democracy, hampers economic

development, and further exacerbates inequality, poverty, social division, and

the environmental crisis. Exposing corruption and holding the corrupt to

account can only happen if we understand the way corruption works and the

systems that enable it. Critically discuss some of the systems that enable

corruption as well as some of the challenges faced by countries when

implementing anti-corruption laws, institutions, conventions, and other

measures to curb the effect of corruption. Use relevant examples in both the

developed and developing world.

 Corruption according to the World Bank is “the abuse of public Office for private

gains” [ CITATION Wie99 \l 1033 ] resulting in public interest being compromised. There are

many causes of corruption in the public sector.

In the paper the Phenomenon of Corruption in Public Administration, ÇETİN, Turan,

HAMŞİOĞLU identified several causes for corruption. The first discussed was personal due

to many factors within their personal lives including feelings a need to remedy injustice,

cultural background and values are some of the personal factors which may encourage

persons to participate in corrupt behaviours. This can come from self-seeking behaviours, an

obsession with rank, favouritism and even an absence of erosion in moral values. [CITATION

Cet191 \l 1033 ] Structurally, poor bureaucratic processes and the politicization of it, excessive

paperwork, low salaries comparative to private sector, the presence of discretionary power all

factor into leading public officers to engage in corrupt practices. Examples of any of these

can be seen in police and licensing services in Trinidad and Tobago. Politically, one can see

causes for corruption in the way political parties are formally and informally, in how

politicians personalise their positions of power and some even go as far as using the country’s

economic condition to determine condone corrupt behaviours [ CITATION Cet19 \l 1033 ]

New South Wales’ Independent Commission against Corruption listed on its website

nine (9) main causes for corruption [ CITATION NSW19 \l 1033 ]. Where policies and procedures

are absent, unclear, or not adequately enforced there is a lack of control mechanisms to

protect against or minimise the occurrence of corruption. The lack of a clear mission and

purpose to be followed by public officers’ results the public servant become less committed

to public interest and more likely to be unprofessional. Where employees are not training

properly, similar to the previous point, is inadequate, there is a raise in persons doing what

they think is right.

 The Absence of checks like audits leaves the system to open to vulnerabilities which

can allows persons to exploit he system and thus exploit the trust of the public. Where

communication and reporting lines are unclear & employee supervision and performance

management are inadequate this creates another level of vulnerabilities as poor performance

remain unchecked and those observing develop the belief that this is normal and acceptable.

Where employees have high levels of discretion in their decision-making, mentions

before there is a great possibility of them allowing this to become a game piece. Especially

when the employees develop close relationships with external stakeholders or already have

existing familial or social relations with stakeholder there is a risk of the employee attempting

to influence processes to the stakeholder’s benefit.

In the absence of accepted ethical standards such as regulation, codes of conduct, etc.

where there is little or no guide as to what is expected of them, the human nature and

personal immorality or biases can come forward and finally where the corporate culture

condones rule breaking and short cuts (paying to expedite a service) corruption is high.

As to the challenges experienced in implementing preventative measures, the Fletcher

School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University singled out several main challenges faced

in implementing anti-corruption measures in developing countries, two of which are noted in

the paragraphs below.

Contrary to popular belief it is not always a moral problem resulting from greed and

depravity. Corruption is also a complex system which continues to exist as it serves social,

political and economic functions especially for parties, in order to survive weak institutions

and insecurity. Low salaries and poverty are causes of corruption which can be fixed simply

by raising salaries.

Another challenges lies in a one size fit all kind of planning. While international models are

based on best practice and principals to enforce anti-corruption policies, little attention is paid
to those local agencies with a better understanding of the environment and culture. Thus,

programs often are seen as irrelevant to local condition