It takes a whole society: why Hong Kong’s ICAC cannot succeed alone
Purpose – To show that establishing an anti-corruption agency (ACA), by itself, is not likely to be a successful anti-corruption strategy. Instead, a solid base of social trust, participation, and support is just as essential as creating an ACA with significant powers and resources. Design/methodolo...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Emerald Publishing
2022-08-01
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| Series: | Public Administration and Policy |
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| Online Access: | https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/PAP-05-2022-0042/full/pdf |
| Summary: | Purpose – To show that establishing an anti-corruption agency (ACA), by itself, is not likely to be a successful anti-corruption strategy. Instead, a solid base of social trust, participation, and support is just as essential as creating an ACA with significant powers and resources. Design/methodology/approach – This is a historical review of the origins and development of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of Hong Kong, and an assessment of its three-pronged approach strategy at both strategic and tactical levels. Findings – An ACA requires broad and deep social support and participation if it is to succeed. That the ICAC remains nearly unique in developing such a base of support provides important lessons for those countries with ineffective ACAs. Originality/value – A reassessment of the ICAC after a half-century shows that the Hong Kong case, despite its familiarity, has much to teach us if we understand it in its broadest implications. |
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| ISSN: | 1727-2645 2517-679X |