NCJ Number
181009
Journal
Journal of Financial Crime Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: August 1999 Pages: 5-7
Date Published
August 1999
Length
10 pages
Annotation
After outlining the consequences of public corruption, particularly systemic corruption, this article outlines a plan of action for reducing and preventing it.
Abstract
Public corruption, particularly systemic corruption makes governments and communities economically weak, because less revenue is collected and more money is paid for the goods and services procured. Policies are distorted to maximize corrupt gains. Governments and nations riddled with corruption are also unstable, because they tend to ignore the needs of the people, thus becoming vulnerable to overthrow. Also, corruption is usually rooted in various criminal enterprises, which undermines public confidence in law enforcement and justice. Fighting corruption effectively requires that it be a major concern among the majority of citizens. This will gain the attention of politicians who recognize that their continuation in power requires that they respond to the will of the people. Those with the primary responsibility for preventing corruption are mid-level managers, because they deal with the transactions in the context of which most corruption occurs. Governments and managers need to promote changes in people's attitudes as well as changes in systems. Anti-corruption programs must aim at both improving systems and motivating people. In most cases of systemic corruption, the only long-term solution to the problem is to facilitate the reform of those who have participated in corruption. Systems must be developed that help transform attitudes and increase the incentives for responsible and ethical behavior. This article suggests ways to develop such a system of incentives within institutions and organizations. 32 references