Summative evaluation of implementation of Jordan's national anti‐corruption strategy, 2013–2017, in the perspective of public choice theory

Abstract

This summative evaluation's objective is to evaluate the degree to which Jordan's National Anti‐corruption Strategy (JNACS) effectively and sustainably achieves its objectives in the war against corruption, with particular reference to the Anti‐corruption Commission (JACC). This evaluation analyzes certain indicators and methods used to combat corruption in the public service. This evaluation considers the before and after approach. Pre‐implementation and post‐implementation periods were compared using trend analysis to show the difference between pre‐implementation and post‐implementation of JNACS from 2013 to 2017. A line chart and interrupted time series were used to display trends over time, and the Wilcoxon signed test was utilized. Our summative evaluation findings are mainly structured by the evaluation criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance. These findings illustrate the difficulty and challenge of making progress in the war against corruption in Jordan. This evaluation has indicated that JNACS (2013–2017) was ineffective in strengthening the capacity of the JACC; promoting investigation, prosecution, and court proceedings of corruption; and enhancing international cooperation in the anti‐corruption field. The task of this agency is challenging due to the broad definition of corruption and the increasing demand for its services within a very complicated operational environment. As a result, our summative evaluation makes some policy recommendations after numerous arguments regarding the subject matter.