A Model for Impact of E-Government on Corruption: Exploring Theoretical Foundations

Corruption in public administration is a cause for continuing concern, particularly in the developing world. Although optimism regarding the ability of e-government to reduce or eliminate corruption is widespread, neutral impact assessment reports however continue to expose cases where corruption persists even after the introduction of e-government. Clearly, there is a need for strengthening research on anti-corruption effects of e-government, which at present is largely a-theoretical and descriptive. In keeping with the above goal, this essay connects to a few theoretical frameworks which are relevant to corruption studies, and reviews the mechanisms by which e-government reduces or eliminates corruption. The insights developed from this exercise have helped to formulate a conceptual model of e-government’s anti-corruption impacts. The proposed model is expected to stimulate further research on the anti-corruption effects of e-government, research that will help in: viewing the anti-corruption successes and failures of e-government in a more unified manner; understanding the limitations of e-government as an anti-corruption tool; and devising managerial interventions which may increase the likelihood of success in e-government led anti-corruption initiatives.