The Role of E-governance in curbing public-sector corruptions (A Theoretical Overview)

Abstract

A corruption free society is a prerequisite for development and good governance. Corruption is seen as an impediment to the development process of developing countries. Nevertheless, there are numerous efforts taken to prevent corruption in the public sector of those countries. One of the main strategies used to curb institutionalized corruption in the public sector today is use of e-governance, a by-product of ICT, which is an efficient and effective strategy. According to Robert Klitgaard's (1988) definition Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion-Accountability. The increase in the monopoly and the discretionary power of the public-sector officials in decision making and implementation lead to a decrease in accountability of public sector officials while increasing corrupt practices. This study is aimed at identifying how e-governance could play a role to diminish the monopoly and the discretion power of the public-sector officials and thereby curb institutionalized corruption in the public sector. When considering the effectiveness of the e-governance as a strategy, some of the examples were drawn from the Sri Lankan context. The study is based on secondary data. Books, articles, statistical records, relevant reports and websites were used as the sources of data. Largely a descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of data. The study reveals that the use of ICT enhances transparency and accountability of public sector activities; and by being more accountable in the performance of their duties goods and services are efficiently being provided to the public.