Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Efforts: A Critical Review

Abstract

This research examines the effectiveness of anti-corruption initiatives in addressing deeply rooted systemic corruption within public administration, focusing on Southeast Asian countries. The core issue highlighted is the inability of various anti-corruption strategies to eradicate widespread corruption. The goal of this study is to conduct a critical examination of the factors that influence the success or failure of anti-corruption efforts. The method employed is a Literature Review to identify, assess, and summarize findings from relevant literature. The data analyzed originates from previous studies that emphasize the weaknesses in law enforcement, lack of political will, and resistance from vested interest groups as major obstacles to eradicating corruption. The conclusions drawn from this research indicate that a more holistic and sustainable approach is necessary to genuinely address the problem of systemic corruption. This study makes a significant contribution to the anti-corruption literature and provides practical guidance for policymakers to design more effective strategies by considering local contexts and specific challenges in Southeast Asia.