Susan Rose-Ackerman's Corruption and Government



Susan Rose-Ackerman's Corruption and Government

Introduction

This paper intends to discuss the various incentives mentioned in Susan Rose Ackerman's Corruption and Government. The situation chosen for the purpose of this paper is that the incentives mentioned in Susan Rose Ackerman's text have been installed in a bureaucracy to lessen the impacts of corruption. It is extremely important to realize that high levels of corruption restrict the growth and investment opportunities within countries thus making the governments ineffective. Moreover, countries which are developing and witnessing a change from socialism are certainly at risk. However, corruption remains the worldwide phenomenon and even countries of developed world are prone to the consequences of corruption.

Corruption is assumed to give rise to inefficiencies and inequities within the societies. Corruption not only creates economic inefficiencies, it also makes the governments suffer as politics remain a completely intertwined aspect of corruption (Susan, 1999 Pp. 1-282). However, various reforms have been suggested to reduce the occurrence of corruption along with the reduction in consequences of corruption. Effective reforms can reduce the economic impact of corruption; however, reforms require essential changes in the structures of the society. The purpose of this paper is to assess that whether the incentives suggested by Susan Rose Ackerman are enough to make sure the correct and ethical conduct from the bureaucrats.

Discussion

Corruption remains one of the most important concerns for every economy and every government. It is extremely important to realize that corruption takes place when the concept of wealth and public power overlaps. Moreover, corruption is the best example of people gaining advantages from their authority to make significant decisions. Bribery remains one of the most common forms of corruption that has been witnessed in the society. In the situation of implementing the incentives suggested by Susan Rose Ackerman for the purpose of reducing the impacts of corruption in the bureaucracy, the assessment of the suggestions remains essential (William et al 2001, Pp. 61-91).

The fact that government officials are attracted towards getting involved in the bribes is extremely important. Government officials are asked to take various decisions and actions which are not in accordance with their job description in return of a handsome amount of bribe. Moreover, bureaucracy is exposed to the corruption at all levels ranging from bureaucratic supervisors to appointed ministers. It remains extremely critical to control the aspect of corruption at highest levels because I believe if the bosses are not ethical, subordinates must not be expected to perform their duties ethically. Systematic corruption needs to be eliminated for the purpose of achieving the objective of reduced impacts of corruption (Susan, 1999 Pp. 1-282).

Countries that possess weak governments are essentially exposed to extreme corruption. Bribes are exchanged to exploit opportunities extensively in such countries. I believe that the suggestions provided by Susan Rose Ackerman are quite extensive and applicable for the purpose of reducing the impacts of corruption on the economies and political situations of the governments. For instance, people in developing countries are more ...