Institutionalizing Nudge to Fight Corruption and Promote Economic Growth in Developing Countries. The Case of Ghana.

Abstract

Corruption as one of the oldest phenomenon in human society exists in every society to an extent. Giving the extant literature on corruption and its implication on economic growth in developing countries, this paper makes a case for institutionalizing nudge approach in fighting the social canker. Corruption has been given diverse definitions by different scholars. Some say, it is the general disease of body politics, others say, it is the public exploitation and abuse of public office for private gain. Contextually, research shows that the causes of corruption in most developing countries are low wage level of public officials, ineffective law enforcement, greed and personal aggrandizement, social pressure, lack of commitment to work, cultural practice of giving gift among others. In effect, corruption may draw off funds needed for economic growth as well reduce private sector investment and participation thereby having preposterous effect on development.