Abstract

NGCAMU, Bethuel Sibongiseni  and  MANTZARIS, Evangelos. Anatomy and the detection of corruption in 'previously disadvantaged' South African universities. JCMAN [online]. 2023, vol.20, n.1, pp.323-349. ISSN 1815-7440.  http://dx.doi.org/10.35683/jcman1001.197.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study sought to determine if the existing systems aimed at detecting corruption are fully functional and operational in the previously disadvantaged universities (PDUs) in South Africa. It further seeks to ascertain the areas where corrupt practices are prevalent and the forms this takes DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study was based on a multi-case study approach, and both qualitative and inductive methods were used to obtain the data. Four previously disadvantaged universities (PDUs) were targeted, and 20 informants (located in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces) were interviewed through face-to-face semi-structured interviews. A flexible thematic analysis was used to collect, codify, classify, and develop themes gleaned from the interviews, from which patterns and trends emerged FINDINGS: A culture of corruption is rampant in universities and occurs despite the procurement policies, systems and structures that are in place. The systems to detect and prevent corruption were non-existent, underdeveloped, or dysfunctional. The university systems that detect corruption have been deliberately weakened by university leaders to enable fraudsters to access funds through corrupt means. This reality has been evidenced by whistle-blowers being dismissed and favouritism shown to those participating in corrupt activities. The corrupt actions at these universities have been underpinned by similar internal and external factors: student politics, political interference, weakened procurement systems, service providers' interference, end users, management, and council members RECOMMENDATIONS/VALUE: The study also adds value to the lacuna in the existing sparse literature on corruption in universities across the globe MANAGERIAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings and recommendations for the study have the potential to influence university leaders in their effort to re-engineer the systems and processes to ensure that control measures in the identified departments are increased JEL CLASSIFICATION: D73

Keywords : Control measures; Corruption; service providers; Supply chain management; Universities.

        · text in English     · English ( pdf )