A LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT OF POLITICAL CORRUPTION IN ...

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Where a society is perceived to be highly corrupt,
risks and hence unpredictability are heightened, trust
may be reduced and economic and social relations
become more complex and costly. Potentially, these
can have negative consequences for societal relations:
insofar as citizen confidence is reduced, collective
action and governance becomes difficult.
Not many empirical studies have been undertaken
in Jamaica to substantiate these hypotheses and
assumptions. Certainly, lack of awareness among
policy makers and development planners regarding
how Jamaicans perceive corruption is problematic,
especially where effective and targeted policy making is
concerned (sensitization and awareness, capacity
building, transparency strategies, introducing or
amending legislation, and so on).
This study attempts to address this gap. It presents
the findings of a national survey, conducted in Jamaica
in September of 2006, which sought to review the
Jamaican political culture and economy since
independence, and make policy recommendations.
“The goal of
the study is to
capture
current
perceptions
on corruption
in Jamaica for
the purpose
of developing
better policy
solutions to
enhance good
governance
and
development”
The survey is an interdisciplinary study which
utilizes quantitative methodologies and methods of data
collection and analysis. The goal of the study is to
capture current perceptions on corruption in Jamaica
for the purpose of developing better policy solutions to
enhance good governance and development.