Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Modern Approaches in Humanities and Social sciences
Year: 2023
DOI:
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Understanding Corrupt Behavior in the Nigerian Public Sector
Abubakar Oladeji, Adebukola Daramola and Emmanuel Onimisi
ABSTRACT:
In a nationwide survey of 614 workers in the Nigerian public sector, it was found that the most prevalent instances of corrupt behavior are abuse of function (31.84%), illegal accumulation of wealth (16.61%), using influence to obtain favor (16.44%) and bribery (16.06%), and they invoked feelings of sadness (30.67%) and anger (20.1%). For 38% of respondents, the determinant of ethics was the respect for law and order. In decision making, respondents were found to prioritize morality (38%) and risks and rewards (38%). While in 65% of the scenarios examined, it was found that agents prioritized self, a majority placed the responsibility for behavioral ethics on society (33%) and then the government (28%). A good number of respondents (61%) alluded to the fact that corrupt behavior was a common phenomenon in Nigeria’s public sector space. A small share of respondents described corrupt behavior as ‘negative’ but think it is ‘acceptable’, same for a similar share who describe corrupt behavior as ‘positive’ but ‘unacceptable’. These groups exhibited what is known in psychology as cognitive dissonance. However, for many respondents, corrupt behavior is described as negative and unacceptable. The prevailing solution proffered by respondents to controlling corrupt behavior was to provide better systems and structures (24%) and to mete out penalties for wrongdoing (20%).
keywords: behavior, public service, Nigeria