NCJ Number
217733
Date Published
July 2006
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article describes the anti-corruption strategy of Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), which has been effective at eradicating widespread corruption in Hong Kong.
Abstract
First and foremost, the author notes that in the experience of the ICAC, corruption cannot be effectively eradicated with just one single solution. A comprehensive strategic plan must be in place along with a dedicated and independent anti-corruption agency. The author offers tips for the strategic planning process that involves four main steps: (1) taking an environmental scan; (2) taking an internal environmental scan; (3) identifying the major problems; and (4) formulating the comprehensive anti-corruption strategy. Following the description of each of these 4 steps, the author outlines the Hong Kong ICAC anti-corruption strategy, which consists of 11 main components: (1) it’s a three-pronged strategy (Operations Department, Corruption Prevention Department, and the Community Relations Department); (2) enforcement led; (3) professional staff; (4) effective deterrence strategy; (5) effective prevention strategy; (6) effective education strategy; (7) adequate law; (8) review mechanism; (9) equal emphasis on public and private sector corruption; (10) partnership approach; and (11) top political will, independence, and adequate resources. Hong Kong was among the first cities to criminalize private sector corruption with the rationale that there should not be double standards in society and that private sector corruption causes as much harm to society as public sector corruption.