Learning Objectives
What causes corruption?

After studying this unit, you should be able to:

• Define good governance;

• Provide some motivating factors for participating in corrupt behaviors.

Introduction

The antithesis to corruption is good governance. The term governance alone refers to the way government carries out its work through decision-making and implementation. Good governance accomplishes the functions of governance without abuse and corruption, and with regard for the rule of law.  When there is not evidence of good governance through such qualities as accountability, responsiveness, transparency, and efficiency (see Unit 2), when policies are not effectively implemented, and public services are ineffective or unavailable, there is corruption. Put simply, one could conclude that corruption occurs where good governance is lacking. The question remains, if good governance benefits the population and corruption causes suffering, as we learned in Unit One, why would people participate in corrupt behavior?

This unit takes corruption apart by looking at the possible scenarios that would motivate people to participate in the unethical and dishonest behaviors that define it. The unit also explains what situations cause dysfunctional governments to foster a more corrupt world.