An Empirical Investigation of the Nature of Corruption in Zimbabwe

Doctoral Thesis / Dissertation from the year 2014 in the subject Economics - Case Scenarios, grade: B, ( Atlantic International University ), course: PhD Economics, language: English, abstract: Corruption has become one of the most notoriously persistent and progressively worsening social problems afflicting Zimbabwe today, and this is indisputable. Corruption is most unwanted in the society especially by those not involved, but it is blamed by those who practice it, just to divert attention. Important to note is that corruption is as old as the government, total elimination is impossible, but it should be barred to reach serious levels. This study seeks to empirically investigate the nature of corruption in Zimbabwe. The study uses a questionnaire approach to explore various dimensions of existing corruption and its impact on the society. A total of 835 participants countrywide correctly completed the questionnaire and electronically submitted. Included in this total are questionnaires that were hand distributed. The study utilises the weighted average approach to design various indices for policy derivation. On a scale of 1-10, the corruption index intensity was found to be 6.8 indicating serious levels of corruption in the economy. Nepotism/Favouritism/Cronysim and bribery/kickbacks/gifts have been found to be the major corruption forms in the society. Corruption networks have been confirmed to exist in society and commonly emanates from school and work; this is in line with the Social Learning theory. The study also found out that the Anti-Corruption body is ineffective to address corruption issues, and it is not autonomous from politics, and therefore concentrate on petty corruption rather than grand corruption. Determinants of corruption include poor remuneration, income inequality, job insecurity, greediness and economic instability. The best ways to harness corruption is to improve the political will, individual solutions and law enforcement.

Bonga Wellington Garikai is a native of Mhike Village in Gokomere Mission, Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Born on the eleventh of January 1984 in a family of six. He went for his primary education at Gokomere Central Primary School, and his Secondary education at Gokomere High School, which he completed in 2003. He attained a BSc (Hons) Economics degree in 2007 with the University of Zimbabwe. He also did his post graduate degree with the same university which he completed in 2009, MSc Economics. He then worked as an Economist at the Ministry of Youth Development, Indeginization and Empowerment. Later in the year 2010, he joined Zimbabwe Revenue Authority as a Customs Officer, the position he holds today. With passion for education, he was enrolled with Zimbabwe Open University for an MBA degree which he attained in 2013. In 2014 he attained a PhD in Economics with Atlantic International University. The author has published many research articles with various research institutions both locally and abroad. He is married to Elsie Tinotenda Gambiza and has two daughters Praise and Grace.