Perceptions of bribery in Papua New Guinea's public sector: Agency and structural influences. (2nd June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tiki, Samson; Luke, Belinda; Mack, Janet
• Is Part Of: Public administration and development. Volume 41:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2021-06-02
• Subjects: agency -- bribery -- culture -- gifts -- Papua New Guinea -- public sector -- structure; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Public administration -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Développement communautaire -- Pays en voie de développement -- Périodiques; Pays en voie de développement -- Administration -- Périodiques; Pays en voie de développement -- Conditions économiques -- Périodiques; Pays en voie de développement -- Conditions sociales -- Périodiques; 350
• DOI: 10.1002/pad.1913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0271-2075

Abstract

Abstract: This study explores the perceptions of bribery among senior public servants within Papua New Guinea's (PNG's) government departments. Using structuration theory, consideration is given to individual, cultural and organisational factors influencing bribery, based on interviews with 11 senior public servants from three government departments. Findings reveal that most public servants acknowledged bribery exists in PNG's public sector. Perceptions of and perceived reasons for bribery typically reflected prioritisation of personal agency influenced by traditional and organisational (public sector) cultural norms, rather than responsibilities and accountabilities as agents operating within formal public sector structures.