Examining bribery in Papua New Guinea's public sector: forms and accountability implications

Samson Tiki, Belinda Luke*, Janet Mack

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine bribery and its accountability implications within Papua New Guinea's (PNG's) public sector. Design/methodology/approach: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 senior public servants from three central government departments. Perceptions, forms and accountability dimensions compromised through bribery were analysed through an actor network theory (ANT) lens to understand the actors contributing to bribery and how it might be addressed. Findings: Forms (and variations) of bribery included “promises” by clients, pre-commitments by public servants and expectations/obligations imposed by public servants. Multiple and interdependent actors (including compromised accountability perceptions) are identified. Practical implications: Findings provide important insights for public servants and policy-makers within and beyond PNG's government departments, highlighting the associated implications for individuals, the public sector and the country more broadly. Originality/value: The incorporation and analysis of accountability dimensions through an ANT lens provides new perspectives on bribery. Further, the significance and extent of compromised accountability dimensions within the network suggests a broken accountability system.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)96-119
Number of pages24
JournalJournal of Public Budgeting, Accounting and Financial Management
Volume34
Issue number1
Early online date22 Oct 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Jan 2022

Keywords

  • Accountability
  • Bribery
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Public sector

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