Allegations Of Corruption Research Articles

A digital ethnography of association football fandom responses to corruption

ABSTRACT Rationale: Despite the extant literature on sport fandom and the prevalence of corruption in sport, fans’ responses to it remain widely understudied. This study focuses on fans and examines how football fans experience and react to corruption. Design: The context is Blackpool Football Club, an English league team, which following the owners’ corruption allegations, saw the fans leading a large-scale boycott of the club’s matches. Qualitative data generated through cyber-ethnography are used. Findings: We found that in response to corruption, some fans begin engaging with other football teams, while some can move away from football entirely and focus on other aspects of their lives, unsure if they would return. Practical implications: The study shows that fans can lose contact with fellow fans as a result of not inhabiting the same space in the stadium or due to disagreements centring around the protest action, while also noting that new relationships can be built around the boycott and the protests. Research contribution: In view of the findings, we propose an extension to the supporter’s matrix to encompass the newly observed activities of fans following corruption, so that these martyr fans can be accurately reflected in future studies on the subject.

FORENSIC AUDIT IN REVEALING CRIMINAL ACTION OF GOVERNMENT’S GOODS/SERVICES PROCUREMENT CORRUPTION

The phenomenon of corruption actions that have changed in terms of the form or method undertaken by corruptors increasingly imposes law enforcement to execute relevant disclosure actions for alleged corruption crimes. It is important to conduct several methods that can be more effective in following the development of corruption crimes so that the law is considered not to be hobbled in responding to the challenges of the times, especially in the preparation of regulations and increasing the competence of law enforcement. The disclosure model of corruption crimes must be renewable by looking at other aspects or forms of examination to open initial loopholes in the disclosure of corruption crimes. Forensic Audit, which is currently applied, can be used as a model for disclosing corruption crimes, especially those that ensnare State officials. By examining the forensic audit, other veiled motives can be found affecting a state official in fulfilling his administrative and legal obligations.

Media Discourse, Legal, and Ethical Issues Arising from the Zuma Saga and Nkandlagate

Allegations of corruption and rape against President Jacob Zuma constituted among the most covered stories in South Africa and beyond. Widely dubbed “the Zuma saga” by the media, the twin stories began with allegations of corruption in the arms deal. While the corruption case still gripped the public, another damning allegation (rape) surfaced and fermented the story to levels surpassed by no other story at the time. Zuma was subsequently acquitted of the rape charge, but the charge of corruption continued relentlessly until the eve of the 2009 elections, in which he was elected as president. But just as the South African public thought the dust was settling, Zuma was hit by another damning allegation of inappropriately spending R250 million on upgrading Nkandla, his private residence. This article is three-pronged. First, it examines the key issues that accounted for the media frenzy sparked by both the Nkandla debacle and the Zuma saga. Second, it unravels critical ethical questions and legal issues implicit in the aforementioned cases. Third, because Zuma’s acquittal raised questions regarding the independence of the judiciary, the article also assesses the condition of judicial independence in South Africa. Theoretically, the article is informed by the sociology of journalism ethics and the notions of ethical leadership and judicial independence.

An Examination of the Effectiveness of the Implementation of Government Accounting Systems in Namibia: A Case of the Office of the Auditor General in Windhoek

This study examines the effectiveness of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) in implementing government accounting systems in Namibia. The study was motivated by concerns over alleged corruption in Namibia’s government accounting systems. The research design used for this study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey, with the analysis unit consisting of OAG workers from several departments. A total of 227 OAG workers were randomly selected from a pool of 527 through stratified random selection. The study used SPSS to conduct tests, including Cronbach’s Alpha to determine internal consistency and descriptive statistics using the mean and standard deviation. The study’s findings indicate that capital resources, management support, and adequate training are crucial for the successful implementation of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). Furthermore, the study suggests that deploying IFMS can lead to transparency and efficiency, and that implementing advanced IT, financial controls, and expense management can improve IFMS deployment across government entities without sacrificing transparency or efficiency.

The Changing Nature of the Indian Party System: ‘Congress System’ to ‘BJP Dominance’

In the last 75 years, the Indian political system has gone through various changes and transition phases, the clear impact of which can be seen in the Indian party system. The existence of the Congress as an important national party after independence, both at the national and state levels, in what Rajni Kothari termed the 'Congress System' (1952-1967). Morris-Jones described the 1950–1967 phase in similar terms as "coexistence with competition but without a trace of alternative". 1977 marked the beginning of the end of the 'Congress system' by Rajni Kothari, which had been facing challenges since 1967, when Congress lost power in eight states for the first time. The main reasons behind this were the rise of opposition and regional parties, allegations of corruption and scams, preference for seniority and dynasty over talent, the dominance of the Nehru-Gandhi family, failure to attract youth and the Modi wave etc. Along with this, various parties and regional parties started emerging in the opposition, which changed the Indian party system towards a multi-party system. In this form, BJP emerged as an important national party, which completely changed the party system after winning the national elections in 2014 and 2019. Some thinkers argue that 2014 marks the beginning of India's fourth party system—the first three-party system in the Congress system (1950–77), the second transitional phase (1977–89) when the dominance of the Congress was challenged, Third, the emergence and new phase of a bipolar party system in the 1990s. Can we compare BJP dominance with the 'Congress System'? What are the similarities and dissimilarities in this? What are the reasons behind the decline of 'Congress System'? All these questions will be discussed in detail.

The State Responsibility for Corruption in Investment Arbitration

In the investor-state dispute settlement context, there seems to be common for states to invoke corruption allegations as a defence against investors’ claims in front of arbitral tribunals. And if a tribunal determines that the corruption occurred during investment making, it will certainly dismiss all claims based on jurisdictional or inadmissibility grounds.However, corruption involves both sides. Therefore, this study examines the possibility of addressing the state’s role regarding corrupt acts in investor-state arbitration cases. In this paper, the author reviews five arbitration cases involving the tribunals’ findings directly relevant to the state’s acts in connection with corruption allegations. The results show that there is indeed an emerging principle for corruption control in investor-state dispute cases, which punishes both the investors and states for illicit acts. Even though this practice is not uniform in its application and scope, there is growing awareness that states could be held responsible for investments obtained through corruption under certain circumstances. The measures against states and their future implications are discussed.

Ethical Leadership and Employee Performance in the Public Sector: The Mediating Effects of Motivation and Satisfaction

This study examined the influence of ethical leadership on employee performance in the public sector, using employee motivation and employee satisfaction as mediators. This study is motivated by the need to examine the influence of ethical behavior of leaders in the public sectors in a developing country often marred with corruption allegations and poor public service delivery. This study is designed quantitatively, and data was collected through a structured questionnaire distributed among federal civil servants across five Ministries in Nigeria. A conceptual model was designed based on seven hypotheses and tested using PLS-SEM technique. Findings revealed that all hypotheses were significant based on p<0.001. More importantly, ethical leadership positively and significantly influence employee motivation and satisfaction. Also, employee motivation and satisfaction mediate the relationship between ethical leadership and employee performance. These findings suggest the importance of leaders’ moral behavior and their relationship with subordinates in the workplace, through motivating them to work, as well as imbibing the workplace ethics and culture. Practically, the findings imply that promoting workplace ethics becomes a crucial ingredient in stimulating individual performance, which translates to overall organizational performance and better service delivery to the citizens.

Do populist governments reduce corruption?

ABSTRACT If alleged corruption helps populists get elected, as extant research suggests, do they later address the problem effectively? This study seeks systematic cross-national evidence for the link between populist parties in government and malfeasance by analysing evidence from Eastern Europe. The central argument is that once in power, populist parties fail to eliminate corruption because (i) they also resort to clientelistic practices to secure re-election, and (ii) they weaken the mechanisms of accountability. The results from regression analysis of panel data and qualitative case studies confirm that ruling populist parties have not been successful in fighting corruption mostly because of their deliberate encroaching on state institutions.

ARBITRATION AND CORRUPTION: A TOOLKIT FOR ARBITRATORS

In international commercial or investment arbitration proceedings, the appointed arbitral tribunal may suspect or one of the parties may allege that corruption, especially in the form of foreign public bribery, has influenced the underlying dispute between the parties. Over the past 25 years, the international and domestic legal frameworks to combat economic crime, including foreign public bribery, have become much stronger. Arbitrators therefore cannot ignore suspicions or allegations of corruption but, at the same time, they have limited means to address such suspicions or allegations, and they have to handle conflicting priorities. In short, they are in a dilemma. After introducing the wider context of international commercial and investment arbitration, this article outlines the arbitrators’ dilemma in more detail and presents a current effort to draft a so-called toolkit for arbitrators. The toolkit aims to help arbitrators address corruption issues in a comprehensive manner and to find solutions in accordance with the applicable laws.

ESG ratings: How to undertake a proactive review to minimise any hidden fraud and corruption and improve a company's governance rating

This paper describes a framework used by the European Investment Bank (EIB) — that would be transferable to interested compliance and investigation teams of corporate entities — to undertake proactive fraud reviews. These processes (at EIB known as Proactive Integrity Reviews but by other names at other multilateral development banks (MDBs), such as Detailed Implementation Reviews at World Bank) assess the weaknesses and gaps that may have been (or in the future could be) exploited by fraudsters. A key part of the review is to make remedial recommendations that, if implemented, would minimise fraud and corruption in corporate supply chains and other key processes. Conducting such reviews can be time consuming and costly but, when undertaken in high-risk processes where there is no actual allegation of fraud or corruption having occurred, can identify a number of fraud risks. Among the benefits of these reviews are (i) maintaining (or even improving) the company's environmental, social and governance (ESG) rating and share price; (ii) minimising fraud and corruption risk; and (iii) limiting the danger of: (a) related and potentially expensive litigation; (b) significant negative publicity; and/or (c) a law enforcement agency's criminal investigation and prosecution.

Methods of Inquiry: Police Corruption, Historical Anti-Corruption Experiences and Implications for Contemporary Practices

Historically, establishing a judicial commission in response to allegations of police corruption has been a regular method used by Australian governments. In Queensland alone, no less than five major inquiries with a remit to examine police corruption took place during the 27 years between 1963 and 1989. By using historical criminology, it is possible to unpack the cyclical need for such commissions as well as the reasons that most were unable to realise their goal to stamp out corruption in the public service and, more specifically, the police. This research reveals several key areas of weakness in the temporary inquiry system, including narrow terms of reference and the potential for obstruction in the investigatory process. Based on this, this article identifies several viable policy proposals centred on a renewed commitment to standing anti‑corruption bodies, separate from politics and with a broad remit to investigate police misconduct.

Implementasi Sistem Pengelolaan Dana Sosial Dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Di Baitul Maal As’Adiyah Wonomulyo

Baitul Maal wa Tanwil serves as one of the fund-raisers from the community to be managed as a benefit of its members, among others, by providing credit facilities based on Islamic economic principles. At the practical level, there are several concrete cases related to alleged corruption of social fund assistance caused by acts of abuse of authority, one of which is the corruption case of social fund assistance in West Java involving the regional apparatus. This study aims to find out how the implementation of the social fund management system in the welfare of the community in Baitul Mal As'adiyah Wonomulyo. This article is included in field research with a qualitative approach. The results of the research on the existence of Baitul Maal As'adiyah have a role and benefits in helping to improve the surrounding micro, small and medium enterprises, namely by collecting Zakat, Infaq, and Shodaqoh funds from the community and then distributed to 8 asnaf and those who are entitled to receive them in the context of poverty alleviation efforts. In addition, the existence of Baitul Maal As'adiyah is able to minimize the space for loan sharks whose existence is very detrimental to small businesses

Media malaise or mobilization during repeat elections?Evidence from Israel’s three consecutive rounds of elections (2019–2020)

AbstractIn 2019–2020, Israel went through three consecutive elections in less than a year on grounds of alleged corruption by Prime Minister Netanyahu, and his lack of ability to form a coalition. This study aims to contribute to analyses of the media mobilization/malaise effect by examining the impact of such a prolonged period of campaigning on citizens’ political behavior. Thus, we conducted six online surveys using a longitudinal sample of Israeli society before and after each election. The analysis found that, despite participants’ testimonies that they were increasingly “tired of dealing with elections,” there was a significant increase in participants’ reported certainty in their vote, news consumption, participation in online political discussions, and level of political efficacy between the elections. Next, a multivariate analysis aiming to explain variations in voters’ political efficacy found that political trust, participants’ reported certainty about their vote, and political interest all explained high levels of political efficacy. The analysis provides one of the strongest reinforcements to date regarding the validity of political mobilization theory, demonstrating its relevance under challenging conditions. We discuss further implications and generalizability of our findings.

(Un)believable: the perceived credibility of Covid-19 information in Austria

In our mediatized society, it is essential in times of crisis that the media provide credible information to serve their information function successfully. At least equally important is which information is perceived as credible by the recipients. After all, the media are responsible for shaping the discourse on the crisis. Using data from the "Covid-19 Crisis" study conducted by the Gallup Institute and Medienhaus Wien, this article examines the perceived credibility of media-mediated Corona information in Austria. People who consult the respective media for Corona information were asked about the credibility of the coverage. ORF and Servus TV seem to be regarded as particularly credible among their users in the overall population. However, there are differences, e.g., between age groups. Young people find ORF more credible than Servus TV. The tabloid press, with its vast reach typical of Austria, and social media do not seem to be viewed as credible sources of information on Covid-19. Young Austrians are even more sceptical of these two types of media. However, the tabloid newspaper Kronen Zeitung is perceived as the most credible tabloid newspaper compared to its competitors. Facebook is the most frequently used social media platform for Corona info but seems to be the least credible source compared to Instagram and YouTube. Respondents' attitudes toward conspiracy theories and allegations of corruption are also likely to influence the perceived credibility of Covid-19 information.

The Role and Impact of Forensic Investigations Unit in the Fight Against Fraud, Corruption, Irregularities, Financial Misconduct and Maladministration in the Public Sector of South Africa

This article examines the role and impact of the Forensic Investigations Unit in the fight against fraud, corruption, irregularities, financial misconduct and maladministration in the public sector of South Africa. Section 85(b) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1 of 1999 (PFMA) requires the Minister of Finance to craft regulations stipulating matters relating to the investigations of allegations of financial misconduct. The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Eight (8) participants from the Forensic Investigations Units of various state departments/ institutions were interviewed using open-ended questions. The study followed a purposive sampling guide as a participant were purposively selected. The study found that the role of the Forensic Investigations Unit in the public sector is to investigate the allegations of common law offences such as fraud, corruption, maladministration and financial irregularities. This Unit's impact is to reduce fraud and corruption incidents within the public sector and promote ethical public service through its recommendations. This study recommends amendments to the Public Service Act 1994 (PSA) and Part Three of the Public Service Regulations 2016 (PSR). The amendment is to fulfil the role of the Forensic Investigations Unit as part of a multi-anti-corruption agency in government departments/agencies. It is hoped to resolve reported allegations of fraud, corruption, irregularities and maladministration in the South African public sector quickly and effectively.

Local government revenue leakages through corruption during the Covid-19 pandemic in Africa: The case of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has over the years experienced rampant corruption in all sectors of the economy. At local government level, there have been several allegations of corruption in areas such as revenue collection, procurement and land acquisitions among others. The magnitude of corruption is extreme especially in revenue collection. Most funds collected by local government revenue officials hardly reach municipalities’ coffers and are not accounted for. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has further created a breeding ground for corruption in revenue collection at local government level due to economic doldrums. Measures imposed by governments to contain the COVID-19 pandemic such as closure of all non-essential business activities, closure of borders and travel restrictions among others have reduced trade and economic activities.

Corruption in Kenya during the Covid-19 pandemic and the right to health: Lessons learnt and future prospects

Kenya has made positive strides in fighting corruption through signing and ratifying the United Nations Convention Against Corruption and the African Union Convention on Prevention and Combating Corruption. These Conventions oblige Kenya to take measures to prevent and criminalise corruption and related offences. In addition, Kenya has enacted vast anti-corruption laws and established independent agencies like: the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations. These agencies play a role in investigating and prosecuting allegations of corruption with the aim of preventing and punishing corruption, and enforcing the anti-corruption laws.

The Impact of Bribery Commission on The Reduction of Bribery and Corruption in Sri Lanka

The impact of bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka has paved the way to establish a permanent Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption with an objective to the institution of prosecutions for offences under the Bribery Act and the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Law. The basic structure of the Bribery Commission is outlined in the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption Act (CIABOC) and consequently, the legal framework has been developed from time to time. The research problem of the present study focuses on how the CIABOC has been effective in performing its duties as envisaged by the State. Data collected through library research method and available written sources and the findings indicate that the cooperation received from the general public in running the CIABOC smoothly is insufficient due to various factors such as fears of reprisals from culprits, inadequate communication between complainants and the CIABOC, delays in making complaints, lack of staff and lack of remuneration for the officials and all this militate against the performance of the GIABOC. The study proposes the amendment of the Bribery and Corruption Act as a timely requirement and the provision of adequate financial facilities and new recruitments to the staff to speed up the progress of the Commission to investigate bribery and corruption in Sri Lanka.

Corporate social responsibility, allegation of corruption, and media sentiment

Corporate social responsibility, allegation of corruption, and media sentiment

In Contempt of the Highest Court in the Land: A Commentary on Secretary of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State v Zuma and Others 2021 (5) SA 327 (CC)

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996) is reputed to be ‘the best Constitution’ in the world. It is founded on a socio-political desire to move away from the historical realities of apartheid into the constitutional democracy in which the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Ever since the dawn of constitutional democracy, so much has been achieved to provide practical meaning to the founding values of the Constitution. The basis for this case note is former President Jacob Zuma’s actions in 2021 which culminated in contempt of court, which sought to undermine the Constitution’s authority and legitimacy of the Constitutional Court. The ultimate view adopted in this case note is that Mr Zuma succeeded in his project to undermine the Constitution and the Constitutional Court. His actions would threaten to reverse the democratic gains achieved under the Constitution. This case note analyses the reactionary measures taken by the Constitutional Court to assert its authority in light of the attacks that Mr Zuma had launched on the court and its members.