An argument for reframing debates about corruption: Insights from Papua New Guinea

Abstract

There have been few attempts to identify the way different perspectives of corruption are employed in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The paucity of such analysis makes it difficult to identify the way scholars and policy-makers understand corruption in the country, in turn leading to potentially poor targeting of anti-corruption programmes. This article categorises perspectives of corruption that are found in academic and policy accounts of PNG. It finds that this literature is marked by an over-reliance on 'mainstream' Western interpretations of the definition, causes and solutions to corruption. In turn, it is argued that there is an important role that 'critical' and culturally aware academics can play in reframing debates about corruption in PNG and the Pacific.

How “Place” Shapes the Public Servant: Papua New Guinea’s Public Administration Within the Contexts of “Big Man” and “Wantok” Systems

“…In the public service, members of the same family, clan, or region are provided with favors and are employed and promoted (Prideaux 2006;Sundeen 1982). Such patronage networks have shaped the democratic and administrative processes in PNG and have also resulted in perceptions of widespread of corruption (Walton 2013). For big men to maintain their status they abuse the discretionary powers vested in them to reward their wantoks, and that demands from the wantoks could embarrass a big man in the government or public service (Payani 2000).…”

“…The deeply entrenched political influence over the public service is one of the main reasons for PNG's increasing level of corruption according to international measures and, therefore, being classified as one of the most corrupt countries (Transparency International 2015). The high prevalence of corruption is not a surprise as there appears to be certain forgiveness of corruption (Walton 2013) and also because of the culture of gift exchange where gifts are never free but reciprocal exchanges (Abraham and Miller 2011). PNG's public servants are shaped as corrupt not only because of the political influences but also due to the wantok culture.…”