Corruption not an end

Abstract

PurposeEconomic theory and practice profess that corruption is a crime of calculation, normally perpetrated for economic gain. Policy responses, as a consequence, revolve around the restrictions and incentives needed to curb economic opportunities and restrain impulses leading to corruption. Nevertheless, the sciences of politics and management have long brooded over it, noting that power can corrupt, corruption can empower, corruptors can wield manifold instruments, and the satisfaction of pride is one of them. This paper aims to focus on corruption not as an end but as an instrument of power.Design/methodology/approachThis paper aims at analysing the deeper nature of corruption and the tools made use of to explain and address it. Accordingly it explores the limits of political integrity, the notions of democracy, the constraints of economic theory to fully interpret corruption and its variegated manifestations, and the alleged singularity of the ethics of politicians.FindingsPolitical authorities in liberal democracies are expected to act with the consent of their constituencies and as a consequence of it. Constituencies in turn cannot disown what their authorities decide and do, at least in the long run. However, although certain prerogatives can be delegated on authorities, the responsibility of electorates cannot be delegated. Awareness of this double‐sided, principal‐agent co‐responsibility is what gathers together in mature societies mounting preoccupation for the integrity of political and administrative authorities.Originality/valueThe paper concludes that honesty and corruption in political authority and civil service are counter figure and reflection of the material organisation of power in a given society, time and geography. Public politics, through constant scrutiny of political and administrative actors, processes and actions, puts individual innocence to the test. That is, societies cannot be excused for the performance of their representatives because, by selecting some candidates for public office and some courses of action over others, they are also deciding on a collective story that stands as an evolving moral narration.