Examining bribery in Papua New Guinea's public sector: forms and accountability implications

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine bribery and its accountability implications within Papua New Guinea's (PNG's) public sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 senior public servants from three central government departments. Perceptions, forms and accountability dimensions compromised through bribery were analysed through an actor network theory (ANT) lens to understand the actors contributing to bribery and how it might be addressed.

Findings

Forms (and variations) of bribery included “promises” by clients, pre-commitments by public servants and expectations/obligations imposed by public servants. Multiple and interdependent actors (including compromised accountability perceptions) are identified.

Practical implications

Findings provide important insights for public servants and policy-makers within and beyond PNG's government departments, highlighting the associated implications for individuals, the public sector and the country more broadly.

Originality/value

The incorporation and analysis of accountability dimensions through an ANT lens provides new perspectives on bribery. Further, the significance and extent of compromised accountability dimensions within the network suggests a broken accountability system.

Citation

Tiki, S., Luke, B. and Mack, J. (2022), "Examining bribery in Papua New Guinea's public sector: forms and accountability implications", Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting & Financial Management, Vol. 34 No. 1, pp. 96-119. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPBAFM-11-2019-0169