Directions and Ownership

Abstract

The perceived increase in corrupt activity in various countries has led to the idea of a ‘corruption eruption’ having taken place (Naim 1995). This has been matched by a growing concern during the 1990s, among donor governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and others, over the persistence and prevalence of corrupt practices by political and economic elites, particularly in developing countries, and its increased significance in transitional countries. Many have made combatting of corruption and promotion of good government a key part of their policies, but the actual devising and implementation of strategies in practice raise a number of issues. These include the focus and the sequencing of reform as well as the question of sustainability. At the same time there are also a number of practical issues, both country-specific and also in terms of ownership and direction. This article provides an overview of the issues involved in relation to anti-corruption strategies, it identifies some of the major approaches at institutional and organizational levels, and raises some questions for future progression.1

Keywords:

• Anti-corruption strategies
• corruption
• development
• good government
• institutional reform