Cause Of Corruption
Unit 2: Causes of Corruption
Learning Objectives
What causes corruption?
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
•
Define good governance;
•
Provide some motivating factors for participating in corrupt behaviors;
•
Name and describe the pillars of good governance.
Introduction
The antithesis to corruption is good governance. The term governance alone refers to the way government carries out its work through decision-making and implementation. Good governance accomplishes the functions of governance without abuse and corruption, and with regard for the rule of law.
When there is not
evidence
as
of
good
governance
through
such
qualities
accountability,
responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency (see Unit 2), when policies are not effectively implemented, and public services are ineffective or unavailable, there is corruption. Put simply, one could conclude that corruption occurs where good governance is lacking. The question remains, if good governance benefits the population and corruption causes suffering, as we learned in Unit One, why would people participate in corrupt behavior?
This unit takes corruption apart by looking at the possible scenarios that would motivate people to participate in the unethical and dishonest behaviors that define it.
The unit also explains what situations cause dysfunctional governments to foster a more corrupt world.
Motivation for Engaging in Corruption
Henry Kissinger once said, “Corrupt politicians make the other ten percent look bad.”
From a personal desire for an unfair advantage, to distrust in the justice system, to complete instability in a nation’s identity, there are numerous factors motivating people of power, parliamentarians included, and indeed ordinary citizens, to engage in corrupt behavior.
Governance problems can be more or less serious, and can vary from one part of government to another. It is one of the key governance problems that a country may face. Governments are vulnerable to
Learning Objectives
What causes corruption?
After studying this unit, you should be able to:
•
Define good governance;
•
Provide some motivating factors for participating in corrupt behaviors;
•
Name and describe the pillars of good governance.
Introduction
The antithesis to corruption is good governance. The term governance alone refers to the way government carries out its work through decision-making and implementation. Good governance accomplishes the functions of governance without abuse and corruption, and with regard for the rule of law.
When there is not
evidence
as
of
good
governance
through
such
qualities
accountability,
responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency (see Unit 2), when policies are not effectively implemented, and public services are ineffective or unavailable, there is corruption. Put simply, one could conclude that corruption occurs where good governance is lacking. The question remains, if good governance benefits the population and corruption causes suffering, as we learned in Unit One, why would people participate in corrupt behavior?
This unit takes corruption apart by looking at the possible scenarios that would motivate people to participate in the unethical and dishonest behaviors that define it.
The unit also explains what situations cause dysfunctional governments to foster a more corrupt world.
Motivation for Engaging in Corruption
Henry Kissinger once said, “Corrupt politicians make the other ten percent look bad.”
From a personal desire for an unfair advantage, to distrust in the justice system, to complete instability in a nation’s identity, there are numerous factors motivating people of power, parliamentarians included, and indeed ordinary citizens, to engage in corrupt behavior.
Governance problems can be more or less serious, and can vary from one part of government to another. It is one of the key governance problems that a country may face. Governments are vulnerable to
Bibliography: D. Kaufmann (2005): Myths and Realities of Governance and Corruption. http://www.worldbank.org/wbi/governance/pdf/21_Governance_and_Corruption_Kaufmann.pdf Stapenhurst, R., Johnston, N., and Pelizzo, R. The Role of Parliament in Curbing Corruption. Washington, DC: The World Bank, 2006. Internet Resources Transparency International www.transparency.org Amnesty International www.amnesty.org 8