Political Economy of Development - Corruption - Essay Example

Political Economy of Development Corruption Introduction Corruption and related issues among the developing countries have become a controversial issue among the politicians, media and the public in recent years. Though people and government are conscious about the threat of corruption and continue their fight against this social evil, it still corrodes the society. Governments, private organizations, politicians and the civil society in many countries have consequently revealed their ideological and organizational problems in combating corruption. One should note that ‘Even the most successful developing countries have suffered from significant corruption and other governance failures during the early stages of their development’ (Khan, 2011). It is significant to notice that different forms of corruptions like, bribery, bribery of foreign public officials, and bribery among the politicians are not punishable or these countries have showed a passive approach towards the problem. Asia-Pacific legislation often declared bribery as punishable and penalize bribery. Therefore, combating corruption in developing countries includes policy formation, execution, monitoring and effective assessment. Asia-Pacific nations have given considerable priority in the process of combating corruption in their political agenda. Countries like Korea, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, and Thailand have developed a comprehensive approach and they have formed a new action plan including stakeholders of governments, private sectors, politicians, business organizations and civic groups. Promoting integrity and transparency in the public sector has been recognized by most of the initiative’s member countries as important in preventing and combating corruption (ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific, 2006, p.15). Removing corruption among the public sector requires primary attention because it directly affects the smooth functioning of judiciary as well as executive. Corruption and related activities paves the way for organizational problems and it also creates practical barriers in the process of achieving desirable development. Preventing corruption among the public administration is considered as the initial step in promoting anti-corruption activities. Establishing openness, opportunity, and transparency is an important step. Both developed and developing countries like Korea, China and Thailand had declared clear eligibility criteria and vacant positions. One can consider China’s First Civil Servant Law as a revolutionary step in strengthening anti-corruption activities. Adequate remunerations among the government officials prevent corruption in public administration. Countries like Indonesia and Pakistan passed special provision for public officials. Michael Berg argues that ‘incentives of the public officials must be changed to ensure that they act of the behalf of the public, who then in-turn will be able to give back to the system’ (Berg, 2009). Frequently government reorganise the salary of government officials who worked in specific departments. In the age of commercialization and global economy, public administrations in developing countries face new challenges, which, along with new corruption hazards. As a result, Continuous and comprehensive auditing and evaluation are therefore essential in assuring the integrity of the administration. Surveys and other monitoring activities can play a vital role in preventing corruption. For instance, The Korea Independent Commission against Corruption (KICAC) helps the government to ensure greater accountability in public administration (ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific, 2006, p.19). Implementation of a transparent regulatory environment in various departments is an essential step in removing corruption in public administration. Corruption and bribery among the government officials causes for severe challenges in the process of organization and implementation programs. Business organizations and multinational companies often bribe officials to procure orders and contracts. A synchronized approach by bilateral donors and international organizations is helpful for preventing corruption. Monopoly power of tax officials encourages them to engage in bribery and related corruption. Therefore, reduce monopoly power of officials requires maximum attention. Different administrative reforms play a vital role in reducing corruption. Anwar Shah examines the positive effects of these reforms by saying “It would be useful to useful to assign the role of administration and audit to different units, as many developed countries do” (Shah, 2007, p.293). Such divisions reduce unhealthy relationships and competitions between administrative officials in public administrations. Administrative reforms in legal and institutional frameworks are practiced as a noteworthy step in preventing corruption. In Asia- Pacific region, 28 nations have formed an organization. “Under the Initiative’s Action Plan, these countries have committed to reform of their legal and institutional frameworks to strengthen safeguards against corruption and to implement internationally recognized standards” (oecd.org, 2006). They have published detailed reports and evaluating records to analyse nation’s development and the performance of new reforms in various fields. Civil society plays an active role and their efforts provide a remarkable in anti-corruption activities. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) can ensure their cooperation with government programs and help for preventing corruption and related social issues. Iréne Hors rightly comments that “In Malaysia, chief executive officers (CEOs) of manufacturing companies met with the government to advocate reform in port operations” (Hors, 1999). Both public and private organizations can help the government to improve its programs against corruption. Absence of common awareness about corruption became a serious problem among the developing countries. Subsequently, Public awareness about the danger of corruption is helpful to put an end to corruption. These organizations often act as pressure groups and they conduct public campaigns, marches, and organize advertising campaigns on television and other visual media against certain areas where corruption identified. Poland and many other countries give support for NGOs in preventing corruption. Bryane Michaelexamine that“Website searches show over 500 different NGOs dealing with corruption and the most common entry reports incidents of alleged corruption” (Michael, 2005, p.71). Some NGOs provide legal guidance and financial assistance for victims. Corruption in public administration leads poor organizational performance, lack of democratic accountability and malfunctioning of various government agencies. Eventually, poverty and under development promotes practical barriers. Developing a set of interrelated policies which includes economic reforms and political reforms is useful for a nation to enhance its programs for fighting against corruption. These good governance reforms agenda can reduce corruption and related economic problems in developing countries. Centre for Democracy and Governance Bureau for Global Programs, Field Support, and Research reports that “Measures to improve financial management systems involve design of financial software, installation of hardware, and training of accounting and audit staff” (Center for Democracy and Governance, 1999, p.17). Developed countries like United States, Britain and France successfully practiced the above mentioned strategies in their public administration. Conclusion In the final analysis, it is evident that corruption and related issues act as a practical barrier among the developing countries and continue their fight against this social evil. Combating corruption in public administration requires primary attention and developing countries often give priority in removing corruption in public administration. Integrated and comprehensive approach is essential for preventing corruption. Asian-Pacific countries formed comprehensive administrative reforms in judiciary and legal frameworks to overcome corruption. Civil society plays significant role in preventing corruption. Reference List ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific 2006, Anti-corruption policies in Asia and Pacific, viewed 12 November 2011, . Berg, M 2009, ‘Economic Effects of Political Corruption in Developing Countries,’ Gatton Student Research Publication, Vol1, no. 2, viewed 12 November 2011, . Center for Democracy and Governance 1999, A Handbook on Fighting Corruption, Center for Democracy and Governance, Washington, D.C. viewed 12 November 2011, http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/democracy_and_governance/publications/pdfs/pnace070.pdf Hors, Iréne 1999, ‘Fighting corruption in developing countries and emerging economies: The role of the private sector,’ African Security Review Vol 8. No. 5, . Khan, MH 2011, Governance And Anti-Corruption Reforms In Developing Countries: Policies, Evidence And Ways Forward, viewed 12 November 2011, . oecd.org 2006, ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific: Anti-Corruption Policies in Asia and the Pacific: Progress in legal and institutional reform in 25 countries, viewed 12 November 2011, . Michael, B 2005, Anti-corruption training programmes in central and Eastern Europe, Volume 772, illustrated ed., Council of Europe. Shah, A 2007, Performance accountability and combating corruption, illustrated edition, World Bank Publications. Read More