OECD Supports the Creation of Sound Ethics Infrastructure: OECD1 Targets Both the “Supply Side” and the “Demand Side” of Corruption

Abstract

OECD anti-corruption activity includes initiatives which address the problem from the "supply side"-the implementation of the Anti-Bribery Convention-as well from as the "demand side"-through work on public service ethics. The work of the OECD Public Management Committee (PUMA) on ethics and corruption prevention supports OECD Member countries in their efforts to improve their systems of gover nance and public sector management. Specifically, this work aims to help govern ments monitor the broader public service environment in order to maintain effective frameworks for promoting integrity and preventing corruption on the part of public officials. In OECD work on public sector ethics, corruption is seen as more than indi vidual criminal actions, but rather the result of systemic failure and a management problem. This is manifested by low-quality legislation and by weak public institu tions that do not enforce laws, and, even more, fail to provide adequate control, oversight, and transparency.

Knowledge management in the public sector: stakeholder partnerships in the public policy development

“…not leaking confidential information to the media to strengthen a particular political view), and not manipulating the public service to shape its advice for political gain (Bridgman and Davis, 2004). While governments may seek to provide positive incentives for ethical behavior, ultimately there must be enforcement mechanisms to enable action to be taken against unethical practices (Bertok, 1999).…”

“…In so doing, governments need to ensure that individuals engaged in policy development processes are truly representative of stakeholder groups and that social excluded groups are represented adequately (Barnes et al, 2003). However, in practice, current trends towards private sector management practices in government are resulting in public policies that emphasize competition and contestability (Bertok, 1999;Keating and Weller, 2001;Preston, 1999), which would appear to be creating increased social disadvantage in some stakeholder groups. Consider, for instance, remote communities and lower socio-economic groups (Adams and Hess, 2001).…”

Value and Virtue in Public Administration

“…politics) is characterized by conflict thus rendering the political environment of public administration conflicting and thereby exposing practitioners to unethical conduct. However, as Bertok (1999) observed, public administration without ethics is public administration without a soul, unethical conduct in public administration cannot be condoned or left unchallenged, thus a cursory investigation on the status of values and ethics in Africa's public administration.…”

The Supply-Side of International Corruption: a New Measure and a Critique

“…First, it seems sensible to focus on the bribe itself, which the briber supplies. Moreover, such labeling has been used already in the literature (see, for example, Bertok 1999).…”