How to Eradicate Corruption: The Analysis of Four Approaches
Cheng Wang*
Abstract
Anti-corruption has become a global trend in recent years. First, this paper discusses the concepts, causes, and consequences of corruption. Then it uses the lawyer's approach, the businessman's approach, the economist's approach, and the citizen's approach to analyze the measures of corruption eradication. Although other countries have employed these approaches and effectively reduced corruption, their success might be achieved at the expense of social costs. Therefore, this paper advises the government to adopt measures in accordance with the country's circumstance in controlling corruption. On the lawyer's approach, the government should review its institutions and laws, and enhance law enforcement to deter corrupt behaviors. On the businessman's approach, the government can increase public servants' morale and honor, focus on their career planning, and ensure the fairness of promotion. On the economist's approach, the government can reduce the opportunities of corruption by conducting economic liberalization and administrative reform. The practical measures include deregulation, the simplification of administrative process, and the promotion of transparency of public information and procurement via e-government. Finally, on the citizen's approach, the government should devote itself to public education and conduct survey regularly so that the public awareness of corruption can be aroused. It can also encourage non-governmental organizations to participate in fighting against corruption.
Keywords: Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), rent-seeking, patron-client networks, nepotism, good governance
* Assistant Professor, Department of Public Affairs and Management, Kainan University.