NCJ Number
56876
Journal
British Journal of Law and Society Volume: 5 Issue: 1 Dated: (SUMMER 1978) Pages: 45-68
Date Published
1978
Length
24 pages
Annotation
BRIBERY AND OTHER FORMS OF CORRUPTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES ARE DISCUSSED IN LIGHT OF THEIR INFLUENCES ON CITIZENS' OBEDIENCE TO LAWS.
Abstract
CORRUPTION EXISTS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES SINCE NO INSTITUTIONAL DEVICES EXIST TO MAKE SENSIBLE DECISIONS BY REGULAR, PUBLIC AND INSTITUTIONAL PROCESSES. INSTEAD, UNCONTROLLED, SECRET, AND UNACCOUNTABLE DISCRETION OF OFFICIALS IS RELIED UPON. THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE PRIVATE SECTOR INDUCES HIGH LEVEL BRIBERY, WHICH CONSPIRES TO DEFEAT DEVELOPMENT AND FOSTER DEPENDENCY. LONG TERM SOLUTIONS FOR BRIBERY REQUIRE RADICAL INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES. PRODUCTION SHOULD BE CONTROLLED FROM THE BEGINNING IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. CITIZEN PARTICIPATION SHOULD REPLACE AUTHORITARIAN DECISIONMAKING WITH OPEN DECISIONS AND PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY. TO THE EXTENT THAT HIGH LEVEL BRIBERY HAS STRUCTURAL CAUSES, AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION MUST ADDRESS THESE CAUSES. FINALLY, CITIZENS APPEAR TO OBEY LAWS WHICH ACT IN VIOLATION OF TRADITIONAL PATTERNS OF BEHAVIOR DUE TO THE COERCIVE POWERS OF THE STATE: POLICE AND OTHER ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THAT CONDUCT THE STATE'S BUSINESS. THE REPORT FOCUSES MAINLY ON DEVELOPING COUNTRIES IN AFRICA. FOOTNOTES ARE INCLUDED. (MJW)