Public Services, Ethics, Integrity, Scandal, White Collar Crime, Corruption, Governance, Transparency, Accountability
This document defines key concepts related to ethics and integrity in public services, including scandal, white-collar crime, and corruption, and discusses their impact on public institutions and governance.
[...] It creates a significant gap between the official functioning of the state and its daily reality, characterized by systemic corrupt practices. Honest officials are often powerless in the face of these practices, while attempts at reform are often hindered by political obstacles and institutional resistance. An important characteristic of corruption is its persistence despite reform efforts. Reforms are often thwarted by a culture of impunity and a lack of political will to effectively combat corruption. Furthermore, they often face institutional resistance and practices of circumvention that perpetuate the cycle of deviant practices. [...]
[...] Similarly, the "rotten apple" theory is often evoked in the context of white-collar crimes, suggesting that certain individuals within institutions corrupt others and thus perpetuate delinquency. This theory highlights the existence of organizational cultures that tolerate or encourage deviant behavior, thereby reinforcing criminal behavior within these institutions. Finally References Blundo, G., & de Sardan, J.-P. O. (2001). Daily Corruption in West Africa; p.8-15. Editions Karthala . Boisvert, Y. (2009). The Radwanski Case; p. 149-154. Boisvert, Y. [...]
[...] It requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach, involving not only institutional reforms but also a cultural shift to promote transparency, accountability, and integrity within public administrations. The notion of white-collar crime White-collar crime, as presented, can be defined as a form of criminality committed by individuals or entities within the economic and social elite, often characterized by acts of fraud, corruption, or financial embezzlement (Fines p.27-31). Unlike violent crimes or traditional misdemeanors, white-collar crimes are often perpetrated in professional or financial environments, involving individuals in positions of power or authority. [...]
[...] Firstly, it led to significant legislative reforms, including the establishment of the Public Service Modernization Act. This law aimed to increase transparency and fairness in the appointment process, in response to the gaps highlighted by the scandal. In addition, the introduction of new mandatory disclosure policies for the expenses of senior officials aimed to strengthen accountability and restore public trust in the management of public resources. In terms of regulation, the scandal also led to significant changes. For example, the creation of the Public Service Appointment Tribunal was a direct response to address complaints related to internal appointments, providing a transparent and fair means of resolving disputes. [...]
[...] (2011). Ethics and Public Management: Learning from Scandals; p.656-657. Montreal. Fines. (2011). Theories of White-Collar Crimes; p.33-35 & p.27-31. Lascoumes, N. (2014). The ambiguities of social reaction; p.108-113 & p.65-68 & p.101-105. [...]
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