ABSTRACT
In recent years corruption has become an issue of major economic and political significance in many countries across the globe, including a number of developed western states. Corruption scandals are a prominent source of media interest and newspapers frequently publish stories about illicit behaviour by politicians and public officials. Partly on account of heightened media attention there is a widespread perception that corruption is on the increase, both among the general public who demand effective action and politicians who are eager to derive political capital by adopting a forthright stance over the need to eliminate corrupt practices [Heywood, 1997]. This has resulted in the increased electoral popularity of political parties committed to fighting corruption and the launching of high profile anti-corruption campaigns by governments of various ideological hues. Specialised NGOs have been established in a number of countries to publicise the problem of corruption and mobilise public concern around cases of malfeasance as a means of provoking an official response. At the international level there is increased resolve on the part of inter-governmental bodies such as the O E C D and the World Bank to
tackle the problem of corruption in response to rising concern about aid effectiveness at a time of financial stringency and to public criticism.
