An Analysis of Corruption Risks in Issuing the Land Use Certificate in Vietnam

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this article was to analyze what are the corruption risk factors in Vietnam's land use certificate issuing process in Vietnam, identify the manifestations of these factors in land use certificates issuing process. Theoretical framework: There have been many studies analysing the situation of corruption in Vietnam, including those researches in the field of land in Vietnam. However these studies have yet not answered the following questions about the corruption risk factors in Vietnam's land use certificate issuing process and the manifestations of these factors in land use certificates issuing process. Design/methodology/approach: The authors use a value chain approach to assess the risk of corruption in the procedure for granting land use certificates. Based on using the theoretical formula (“equation”) of corruption "Corruption = Monopoly + Description - Accountability" (Klitgaard, 1988), the authors study each step in the process to analyze corruption risks. At the same time, the desk review method to collect and analyze documents and legal documents was also used. The authors also made use of secondary data from 2017 to present from the annual Provincial Competitiveness Report (PCI) of Vietnam, the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), the Corruption Barometer (VCB), Effective Provincial Governance and Public Administration (PAPI) to clarify the current state of corruption risks in the land use certificates issuing process. Findings: Corruption risk factors exist in all the flows of issuing land use certificates in Vietnam. The main factor leading to the risk of corruption in the current land use certification process in Vietnam is the policy gap caused by overlapping legal regulations, high monopoly, and discretion of authorities with low accountability. All these factors lead to the risk of corruption in issuing land use certificates in Vietnam. Research, Practical & Social implications: We suggest future research of in-depth analysis of the causes and effects of corruption risk factors in each steps of the land use certificates issuing process. Originality/value: The article results indicate that corruption risk factors still exist in the flows of issuing land use certificates in Vietnam, although there is a decrease compared to previous periods.