Strengthening Jamaica's Anticorruption Policy with an Independent Agency Curt Brown Walden University
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 Strengthening Jamaica's Anticorruption Policy with an Independent Agency Curt Brown Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Latin American Languages and Societies Commons, Latin American Studies Commons, and the Public Policy Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Curt A. Brown has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. Paul Rutledge, Committee Chairperson, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Heather Mbaye, Committee Member, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Dr. Michael Brewer, University Reviewer, Public Policy and Administration Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract Strengthening Jamaica’s Anticorruption Policy With an Independent Anticorruption Agency by Curt A. Brown MS, University College of the Caribbean/Commonwealth of Learning, 2013 BS, University College of the Caribbean, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Policy and Administration Walden University May 2018 Abstract Corruption is a kind of behavior that undermines good governance. Current research has suggested that Jamaica’s present anticorruption policy is ineffective, and needs strengthening. A civic organization in Jamaica has advocated for an independent anticorruption agency, with both investigative and prosecutorial powers to strengthen Jamaica’s anticorruption policy. Little is known about the perspectives from the Jamaican business community on this concept. The purpose of this study was to discover and understand perspectives from the Jamaican business community on this concept. A framework included in this study is the principal-agent theory, which provides an understanding of the essence and relevance of perspectives from the Jamaican business community. Phenomenological research was used to gain a deep understanding of these perspectives. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 5 business owners and a focus group comprising of 6 business owners. The data were analyzed thematically. Two perspectives were that an independent anticorruption agency with both investigative and prosecutorial powers in Jamaica could result in an improvement in some social benefits for its people, but the agency itself could experience challenges. Participants also thought that a collaboration among societal actors in Jamaica could bring increased success in terms of corruption control. An implication for positive social change is that societal actors in Jamaica can use collaboration to achieve effective public policies for Jamaica. Strengthening Jamaica’s Anticorruption Policy With an Independent Anticorruption Agency by Curt A. Brown MS, University College of the Caribbean/Commonwealth of Learning, 2013 BS, University College of the Caribbean, 2010 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Policy and Administration Walden University May 2018 Dedication This research work is dedicated to the people of Jamaica, especially those who have an interest in the development of that country. There are various groups in Jamaica who continuously advocate for effective policies that will lead to a better life for everyone who either lives or intends to live in that country. The current vision for Jamaica is to become a place that people want to live, work, raise families, and do business. Consequently, it is hoped that this research work will contribute to fulfilling this vision. Acknowledgments I must first thank our Lord for enabling me to complete this research. Next, I must express gratitude to my family members for their understanding and support during my entire dissertation journey. Third, I wish to express gratitude to all faculty members and other personnel at Walden University who have provided guidance in relation to this dissertation.. Walden University has valuable resources, which contributed to my ability to complete this research project. Special thanks to my dissertation committee members for their decision to serve as reviewers for my dissertation work. Finally, thanks to my friends and coworkers who offered support as well as words of encouragement and advice during my dissertation journey. Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ................................................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 1 Background of the Problem ........................................................................................... 3 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................................... 5 Purpose Statement ......................................................................................................... 7 Research Questions ........................................................................................................ 7 Theoretical Frameworks ................................................................................................ 7 Nature of the Study ........................................................................................................ 8 Definition of Key Concepts ........................................................................................... 9 Assumptions ................................................................................................................ 11 Scope and Delimitations .............................................................................................. 11 Limitations ................................................................................................................... 11 Significance of the Study ............................................................................................. 12 Summary of Chapter 1 ................................................................................................. 14 Chapter 2: Literature Review ............................................................................................. 16 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 16 Literature Search Strategy ........................................................................................... 17 Structure of Literature Review .................................................................................. 19 Theoretical Frameworks .............................................................................................. 20 i Origin and Relevance of the Principal-Agent Theory ............................................... 20 Origin and Relevance of the Advocacy Coalition Framework .................................. 22 Undesirable Effects of Corruption on Some Countries ............................................... 24 Societal Support for and Against Corruption .............................................................. 32 Ineffective Anticorruption Policies Experienced by Some Countries ....................... 34 Effective Anticorruption Policies Experienced by Some Countries .......................... 39 Strengthening Anticorruption Policies in Some Countries .......................................... 41 Using Independent Anticorruption Agencies to Strengthen Anticorruption Policies ........................................................................................................... 44 Societal Collaboration for Effective Anticorruption Policies ...................................... 48 Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 50 Chapter 3: Research Method ............................................................................................. 55 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 55 Qualitative Research .................................................................................................... 55 Research Design .......................................................................................................... 56 Exploratory Design .................................................................................................... 57 Research Methodology ................................................................................................ 59 Role of Researcher ......................................................................................................