Complexity Thinking in the Fight Against Corruption: Some Perspectives From South Africa

Abstract

This article argues that corruption and the efforts to curb it can be explained in terms of some elements of complexity thinking. The authors find that corruption is comparable to a social virus that continuously mutates and adapts to new environments to counter anti-corruption strategies. On the basis of its omnipresence, myriad manifestations, causes and impacts, corruption is found to be a complex, dynamic and ever-changing social phenomenon. It is impossible to totally eradicate it, and one can only strive to consistently reduce its intensity and scope over time. A holistic anti-corruption policy approach that continuously empowers all sectors of society (starting at the level of the family) and all levels of administration has to be encouraged.

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Additional information

Notes on contributors

Faniel Habtemichael

School of Public Management and Planning, University of Stellenbosch, South Africa. This article is based on this author's PhD thesis, which was completed at the University of Stellenbosch in 2009 under the second author's supervision.

Fanie Cloete

Department of Public Governance, University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Email: [email protected].