To what extent does corruption erode trust? evidence of reputational spillovers from ten countries in the Southern African development community

ABSTRACT

Emerging research indicates political corruption erodes political trust. However, previous studies have not adequately explored the question of whether corruption by a policy actor can spill over to influence trust in other policy actors. We draw insight from research and theory on collective reputation of organisations among other literature to explain why political corruption can produce reputational spillovers. Using individual-level Afrobarometer survey data from ten countries in the Southern African Development Community, one of the world’s corruption hotspots, the analysis reveals perceived involvement in corruption by a policy actor can spill over to tarnish the reputation of other actors involved in the policy process. State and nonstate policy actors like politicians, judges, bureaucrats and traditional leaders in some measure share a collective reputation and fate. We offer suggestions on how to combat corruption in ways that minimise spillovers and safeguard a shared reputation.

KEYWORDS:

• Corruption
• trust
• reputation
• spillovers
• Southern Africa

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Sergio Fernandez

Sergio Fernandez., is Professor in Indiana University Bloomington, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs and Extraordinary Professor in University of Pretoria, School of Public Management and Administration. His work focuses on organisational behaviour in the public sector, representative bureaucracy, public sector leadership, and government procurement.

Lianne P Malan

Lianne P. Malan is Associate Professor in University of Pretoria, School of Public Management and Administration. Her work examines a variety of issues regarding intergovernmental relations, organisation theory, public policy, and teaching and learning in public administration.

Natasja Holtzhausen

Natasja Holtzhausen., is Professor in University of Pretoria, School of Public Management and Administration. Her work explores public sector ethics, organisation theory, and public administration education.

Michel M Tshiyoyo

Michel M Tshiyoyo is Associate Professor in University of Pretoria, School of Public Management and Administration. His work focuses on leadership and governance, organisation theory, and public financial management.