Corruption and development

This chapter analyses the further research required into three concepts the author considers to be key pillars in anti-corruption efforts: transparency, digitised process and social norms. Whilst the concepts are broadly established in the fight against corruption, this chapter explores the further research necessary to improve the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts underpinned by these three concepts. First, a drive for transparency has cultivated initiatives such as beneficial ownership registers. Whilst now at varying stages of implementation in jurisdictions across the world, research is needed to understand what changes to the design, implementation and impact of such registers, to guide future reforms. Secondly, process digitisation is considered and explores initiatives such as the use of digital systems to minimise the opportunities for manipulation by human agents. However, a lack of research into the post-procurement phase is identified, looking beyond whether corruption is effectively prevented in the project tendering phase. Finally, to best deliver and execute upon initiatives underpinned by transparency and digitised process, social norms are explored to better understand how the human factor also perpetuates corruption within development projects and related activities. Whilst increasing evidence highlights the importance of how to embed anti-corruption methodologies with social consideration, the study of social norms is an emerging area which demands further research to more wholistically tackle corruption in development projects and complement transparency and digitised process related change.