Perceptions of Bribery Versus Gifts Within The Government Departments of Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The study explores the perceptions of bribery versus gifts among senior public servants within Papua New Guinea's (PNG's) government departments. PNG is considered to have high levels of corruption. The study used an accountability framework and the Critical Incident Technique (CIT) to explore incidents of bribery and gifts by interviewing 11 senior public servants (7 males and 4 females). Findings show that most of the public servants acknowledged bribery exists in PNG's public sector. The perceived reasons were fast-track, quick-money, and sustain-living. Given the Melanesian culture of gift-exchange and reciprocity, bribery is often confused. Hence, public servants defer payment of bribes to take as gifts after delivery of public goods and services. The findings provide important insights for policymakers within PNG's government departments to develop policies and introduce changes.